For more than 50 years, on the last Sunday of January, thousands of people across the globe have stopped to remember those who suffer the horrendous effects of leprosy. It was Raoul Follereau who established this special occasion in Malta in 1954. He had worked unceasingly in favour of these people and this day of remembrance is now being observed in about 140 countries.

Many think of leprosy as an ancient disease that was eradicated many years ago. But every year, hundreds of thousands of children, women and men discover they have leprosy. For many centuries, leprosy stigmatised those affected because there was no cure. Those who had the disease had to live with the disabilities that are so common in leprosy. They simply had no choice.

Pope Benedict XVI affirmed the need to show solidarity with the lepers by canonising Fr Damian of Molokai in 2009. This man gave his life and energy to care for these people and finished by dying young after contracting the disease.

World Leprosy Day helps to focus on the needs of the poorest of all people – those same people affected by leprosy. It helps to tell the story to those who do not know that leprosy still exists and that it can now be cured. It also helps raise funds so that those with leprosy can be cured and cared for.

The Order of Charity (Malta) has since 1946 been sending funds to 20 organisations, some of them Maltese, working among lepers in Third World countries.

If one wants to help one can send a donation to The Order of Charity, Catholic Institute, Floriana FRN 1441 or by ordering a book about St Damian at the price of €5.50. A receipt will be sent for each donation. Alternatively, one can make use of a direct bank deposit in the name of The Order of Charity, BoV San Ġwann Branch No. 40018786910.

Please join us in celebrating World Leprosy Day on Sunday and in standing by those who are facing oppression and stigma through no fault of their own. We are one body, supporting and caring for one another.