Early Ministry
Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. soon after ordination
Credit: Loyola University Chicago University Archives and Special Collections
In 1844, Fr. Damen was appointed principal of the high school department of St. Louis University, and at the same time he became pastor of St. Francis Xavier parish church in St. Louis. Initially he was not considered a good speaker, but he practiced speaking English and became a gifted orator. As a young preacher, he vowed to accept every task his superiors asked of him, and he believed his acquired speaking skill was a gift from God for this attitude.
During lulls in the early days of his ministry, Fr. Damen began conducting missions throughout the Midwest. He quickly found success in the cities as well as among Native American communities in the prairies. His missionary zeal ran through everything he did, and mission work became his calling in life. He became known for his succinct style of forceful speaking. His messages spoke to the masses, yet he remained respectful and reverent of his audiences.
"A zealous worker, ardent and courageous by nature, with robust health and gifted with uncommon eloquence, he suffices for everything and carries everything along with him."
- Letter from Fr. Damen’s Superior to the Father General of the Jesuits in Rome, 1853