Please join us for a reception welcoming Dutch historian Simone Vermeeren of Eindoven, Netherlands. Using both historic and contemporary images and previously overlooked sources, Ms. Vermeeren will trace the extraordinary journey of Fr. Damen, S.J. that began in 1815 with his baptism in a "clandestine" Dutch Catholic church and his decision at age twenty-two to emigrate to the United States. Understanding the world of North Brabant and Arnold Damen’s youthful pilgrimages to the medieval cathedral of Bois-le-Duc provides new perspective on his vision for Chicago’s Church of the Holy Family (1857) and Saint Ignatius College Prep (1869).

There is no fee for attending. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 4:30pm until start of session at 5:30pm. Please rsvp to Wendy McCarthy at [email protected] or 312-492-8442 ext. 3