Did you know that the Arnold J. Damen, S.J. Statue before you honors a pivotal figure in Chicago’s history? This statue commemorates Father Arnold Damen. He was the founder of St. Ignatius College. It was the predecessor to Loyola University Chicago.
Walter Arnold sculpted the statue. It was completed in 2015. The statue is at Loyola University. Its address is 1125 W. Loyola Ave.
Father Damen’s story is remarkable. He was born in the Netherlands in 1815. He came to the United States. Damen was a young Jesuit novice. He intended to study for the priesthood in Missouri. Later he was reassigned to Chicago. He was to establish a Jesuit presence in the growing city.
Damen arrived in Chicago in 1857. He started building Ignatius College Prep. It eventually grew into Loyola University Chicago. These institutions stand as powerful centers of learning today.
The Arnold J. Damen, S.J. Statue is chiseled from a 10000-pound piece of stone. As the university’s first president, Damen oversaw a small group. This group consisted of four priests and 37 young men.
St. Ignatius College opened in 1870. It stood on the city’s West Side. The college narrowly escaped the Great Fire of 1871. The fire started just blocks away.
Father Damen is also credited with a famous miracle. During the Great Chicago Fire, Damen was in New York. He wired back instructions. Seven candles were to be lit. They were to be in front of the icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help. The fire shifted direction. The college buildings were spared. They became some of the few to survive the Great Fire.
Interestingly, Father Damen didn’t stay in Chicago. He continued his missionary work. He traveled around the country. He conducted 208 missions. He traveled about 6000 miles each year.
Father Damen was known for his sermons. They were straightforward and powerful. He drew people to him. His work led to a thriving Catholic community in Chicago.
The Arnold J. Damen, S.J. Statue stands. It is a reminder of his vision and dedication. Students even take selfies with it. The sculptor considers it a sign of success. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who shaped Chicago’s educational and religious landscape.