Le Cardinal Mercier protege la Belgique (The Cardinal Mercier Protects Belgium)

French poster depicting Cardinal Mercier, Archbishop of Mechelen, and Primate of Belgium Cardinal's vestments, in the pose of the Mater Misericordiae (the Madonna of Mercy), with his hand stretched out protecting the starving people of Belgium. Mercier was vocal in his objection to the German occupation of Belgium, issuing a letter to be read in all Belgian churches on Christmas 1914 entitled 'Patriotism and Endurance', urging people to maintain resistance and keep their spirits up. He was kept under house arrest by the Germans after protesting against their treatment of Belgian citizens and burning the Library at Louvain (Leuven) which contained many illuminated manuscripts. He also opposed the deportation of Belgian workmen. His stance here suggests strongly his ecclesiastical role of shepherd protecting his flock and became regarded as the personification of resistance by the Belgians against German occupying forces.