(d.1484) Damian was born to Italian nobility and was kidnapped as an infant by a man with mental illness. His parents prayed to Saint Mary, and rescuers were led to his location by a miraculous light, where he was found unharmed. Damian became a Dominican priest and was a popular preacher and miracle-worker. Many miracles were reported at his tomb.
At first glance, Damian seemed to have had an easy, blessed life, but even having devout and loving parents didn’t exempt him from drama. Resentments can slowly grow if we try to compare our experience with someone else’s. Comparisons like that can create an “us” versus “them” perspective, accentuating separation. In recovery, as in the “communion of saints,” it is in focusing on our similarities rather than our differences that we become helpful to one another.
“God of truth, for the salvation of the faithful you endowed Blessed Damian with wondrous virtues and powers of speech. Through his prayers may we hear your word with an open heart and hold fast to it with patience. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever” (General Calendar of the Order of Preachers).
Reflection by Brad Farmer