Leo Hofstee

Anthonius Josephus Aloysius Hofstee (religious name Leo; 30 July 1903 – 26 April 1986) was a Dutch-born American Roman Catholic priest and member of the Order of Preachers.

[1] He was recognized for his ministry, which he started in 1947 until his death, in the district of Tala, in Caloocan, Metro Manila to people with Hansen's Disease.

[2] In 1945, after almost four years of Japanese rule, the Philippines was liberated and Americans were sent back home, but Hofstee remained after falling in love with the country and its people.

[2] From 1947 until 1986, he served as the resident chaplain to the leper colony, including their educator, counselor, sewing-room director and recreational organizer.

[10] Hofstee established the Holy Rosary College that provides degrees in education to students, taught by qualified professors, both of whom are all leper patients.

"[1]In honor of his service to the lepers, a monument was built outside Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Tala, Caloocan and a street was named after him.