“The Damien of Kerala” (1904–1991)
A Shepherd of Compassion and Heroic Virtue

“The Damien of Kerala” (1904–1991) was a man of profound compassion and heroic virtue, inspired deeply by the Gospel mandate, “Whatever you did to the least of My brethren, you did to Me.” Formed by God through the experiences of his childhood and seminary life, he responded wholeheartedly to the silent cries of the most neglected—persons affected by leprosy. In 1942, he stepped courageously into their world, personally nursing and caring for them with tenderness and dignity. To ensure that this mission of love would continue, he founded the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) in 1949 at Cherthala, Kerala. His vision soon expanded to embrace all who were marginalized: the deaf and mute, the blind, the mentally challenged, school dropouts, vulnerable girls, and women seeking empowerment—serving all without distinction of caste, creed, language, or culture. Humble by nature, he never sought publicity for his works, allowing his life of quiet charity to speak for itself. Today, we honor his blessed vision and pray for the grace to carry forward his mission with the same dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the least and the suffering.