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. Called as the "Sunshine of Tala",

In October 2018, a sexual abuse allegation was deemed established by the Dominican Province of Western United States after consultation with the Province Review Board.

Biography Early life Hofstee was born on 30 July 1903 in Utrecht, Netherlands to Dominicus Johannes Hofstee and Maria Frederika Hofstee née Peters. In 1913, he and his family became naturalized American citizens and lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Priesthood and chaplaincy Hofstee professed to the Order of Preachers on 9 September 1926. He was ordained on 10 May 1932 in Washington, D.C.

Together with the U.S. marines, Hofstee was sent to the Philippines during World War II in hopes of liberating the county from Japanese occupation.

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

Death On 26 April 1986, at the age of 82, Hofstee died in Tala, Caloocan. He was buried in the local cemetery where he was buried among the lepers he ministered and cared.

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.