EXHIBIT 23

                               CONSENT OF EXPERTS





                   [COBITZ, VANDENBERG & FENNESSY LETTERHEAD]


The Board of Directors
Damen Financial Corporation

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statements on
Form S-8 of Damen  Financial  Corporation  of our report dated  October 30, 1997
relating  to  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  condition  of  Damen
Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 and the
related consolidated statements of earning,  changes in stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, which report
is incorporated by reference into Damen Financial Corporation's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997.


                                   /s/ Cobitz, Vandenberg & Fennessy


December 29, 1997
Hickory Hills, Illinois