1914 supposed to be the Silver Anniversary of Father Damien’s Dies Natalis. It was an excellent opportunity for the Sacred Hearts fathers and the authorities of the Church in Leuven to draw public attention to the heroic figure of Father Damien.
A program was developed to celebrate the event in a proper manner, with the premiere of the Damien Cantata composed by Emilio Wambach as its highlight.
To promote the great event they spared no cost. Among other things, the Luvaniense printing house Meulemans elaborated a large color poster to publicize for the celebration; with the emblem of the Sacred Hearts as header against the backdrop of Molokai, and a photo of the statue of Damien of the sculptor Constantin Meurnier. The program should have taken place on August 30 and 31, 1914.
Alas, at the beginning of August 2014 the Great War broke out. The armies of the German Empire invaded Belgium, and on the 29th a large number of buildings in the historic center of Leuven, including the University Library, were burned down by the invading troops. More than 200 people were shot and many had to flee. The plan for the special celebration failed to be realized.
Only ten years later, in 1924, the first release of the Cantata in honor of Damien took place. It would have been 100 years ago around this time when it occurred…
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09/08/2014