THE CYGNET VOLUME 1, NO. 2
SALVE R EGINA COLLEGE SUMMER SESSION
AUGUST 6, 1948
FIRST SUMMER SESSION ENDS; LAY COURSES PLANNED IN '49 SECULAR STUDENTS TO New Building Will Be Needed To 38 RELIGIOUS ARE LEAVING AFfER BE ADMITTED; MANY rr R .11 G . L .b INQUIRE nouse apzaty rowzng 1 rary BUSY PERIOD Plans are being made by the Salve Regina College faculty tO open the 1949 Summer Session to secular students. These students wi ll be invited to m ake selections of courses from a curriculum covering a wide variety of subjects, officials said. College officials pointed our that their plans for permitting secular students to enter the 1949 Summer Session resulted from the numerous inquiries that were received when the first courses were held at Salve Regina during the past month. Many interested students and parents of students, not realizing that the Summer Session was restricted tO the Religious, telephoned the college or made personal visits to inquire about entrance qualifications. As it was, the six-weeks period of the session provided much activity for the 35 Sisters of Mercy, two members of the Order of Sr. Joseph and one member of the College staff who J.:lade h.P the stu~ dent roster of Salve R egina's first summer school. Officials at the college said that the inquiries regarding the possibility of secular students entering the college for summer study came not only from m any in Newport and vicinity, but from other points in the state and from other states to which the fame of the new college has spread in the first year of its existence.
BUILDING OPENED IN AID OF FUND Many have taken advantage of the decision of Salve Regina College officials to open the first floor to visitors daily from 10 A. M . to 5 P. M . While there is no charge, donations ro a scholarship fund for a Newport high school graduate are being accepted. Members of the Salve R egina Guild are acti ng as guides. The groups are being taken through the first floor on the hour and half hour. The Nuns in attenda nce at the summer school found touring a subject not on the curriculum. Along with their introduction to Theology, Dante, Livy, Journalism and Hisrory, they have had experience in conducti ng all types of people through their beloved college. "It is interesting ro note the varied expressions on the faces of our tourists," the Sisters say. "It seems that no matter what grandeur they may have previously encountered, the Great Hall awakens a new sense of beauty within them. "The little child is impressed by the angels which immediately catch his fancy. The older children note the intricate carvings that grace the balcony. Grownups remark about the vastness of the rooms and their remarkable decorations. All of them add to our enjoyment in being able to show them these points of interest. "To those of us who are not too well acquainted with artistry, it is a little difficult to explain all the designs. Very often, though, we find that our tOurists are able ro identify some o,f the carvings and thus co n tinue~.! on page 3
A pressing need for a new building ro house the rap idly expanding library at Salve Regina College was seen today by officials of the institution as the first Summer Session came to an end and plans went forward for the regular Fall semester. During the past year the library has doubled the number of irs volumes tO about 6000, and addi tional space is sorely needed to provide for the books that are constantly being added by purchase and through donations. The library act ually antedates the opening of the college by several years. In 1934, Sister M ary James, R .S.M., now Dean, became actively engaged in the collection of books for the future college. She was responsible for the addition of many hundreds of volumes through special friends and through the generosity of many of the Alumnae of Saint Xavier's Academy, Providence. Because of the enthusiastic interest of the Heads of the English and History Departments these two sections have increased considerably. To Sister Mary M artina, R.S.M ., the library is indebted for several hundred volumes including political science, history, o utstandi ng among which are the Chronicles of American H istory Series, the Annual Reports of the American Historical Association and The International Library of Masterpieces of Literature and Rare M anuscripts, the Writings of WashingtOn, the eleventh and the latest revised editions of Encyclopedia Britannica, together with several
subscriptions to historical period icals and international relations periodicals. Mother Provincial has recently given to the library several hundred books which are valuable assets in every department. In this choice collection will be found a fifty volume set of the Harvard Classics, the complete works of Shakespeare in twenty volumes, H istorical Tales of Every Co11ntry in fifteen volumes, thirty books on France, twelve volumes of Mark Twain, ten volumes of Emerson, five volumes of Wilson's History of the American People, many books of science and nature, and eight volumes of D on Quixote, four in Spanish, four in English. All these books have been catalogued and made ready for circulation by Sister Marie Therese, R.S.M. During the past week Miss K atherine Gilbane, an alumna of Saint Xavier's Academy has given to Salve Regina her collecrion nf 1000 volumes. Increased accumulation of books means more floor space for stacks. A building tO house an adequate library is an immediate necesstty. The periodical section of the Library has also grown. The personal su bscriptions of faculty members and the library subscr iptions number e ighty. Salve Regina College will be happy to receive collections of books from friends who are interested in the growth of the library, Sister Mary Catherine, R . S. M ., college libraria n states.
Sr. Mary James, College Dean ! Praised By Nuns Through Cygnet I The second issue of The Cyguet completes the work of the Journalism Class at Salve R egina's Summer Session. Irs publication has been a source of great satisfaction ro all who worked ro make The Cygnet a success. A special tri bute of appreciation is due to Sister Mary James, R.S.M., Dean of the College, who planned, encouraged, and brought to successful completion this initial venture in the field of journalism by the Sister Students. Its success is only one in a long series of fruitful accomplishments in the educational field which can be attributed to Sister Mary James. For ten years the Principal of Saint Xavier's in Providence, her role as educator is well-known in the state. Under her direction, the Academy achieved outstanding success, in social, intellectual and religious attainments.
A new chapter in her life as a religious educator began last September with the actual opening of Salve R egina College. Bur this opening was preceded by years of preparation in which Sister Mary James had a very active part. The remarkable record of achievement during Salve Regina's first year reflects the masterful direction of an efficient educator and able administrator. This Summer Session of the Sister College, under the inspiration and direction of Sister Mary James, who organized the courses, planned educational sight-seeing trips, and secured interesting and educationa l lecturers, adds lustre to Salve Regina's first chapter. The Sister Students of Salve Regina's first Summer Session voice their appreciation of Sister Mary James through The Cygnet.
DANTE LECTURE A most interesting lecture on the great medieval poet Dante Alighieri, was given by Miss Lucile H arri ngton, reacher of Literature at Roslindale High School, Boston, and lecturer of note, tO the assembled faculty, student body, and guests at Salve Regina College summer school session July :n
Miss Harrington is a graduate of R adcliffe College and has continued studies both at .Johns Hopkins University and the University of Perugia, Italy. Due ro her extensive tours in Europe and especially in Italy, she has acquired a store-house of facts and a colorful background for leeconti nued on page 2
The first summer session of Salve R egina College closed at noon today, August 6, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the College Chapel, bringing to a most joyous ending a happy summer of study and recreation in ideal surroundings. Examinations were held the last two days of the session, and credits will be given for each course according to the number of semester hours that the subject was srud ied. The summer proved enjoyable for :til, and the students are looking forward to a repetition next year. All said they profited from the intensive courses in each particular field of concentration. Indeed, some of the subjects were so interesting that students who did nor attend felt they could pass the exami nations because of the many instructive comments and informal debates between members of these special classes. Lectures, educational trip~. tours rJf historical spots in Newport, and motion pictures added ro the pleasure of those attending the first summer session at the college. As the first summer class prepared to depart today, work was being pushed rapidly on Mercy Hall, the Salve Regina property at the corner of Lawrence and con tinued on page 2
MISS FITZPATRICK GIVES LECTURE Miss Teresa Fitzpatrick, former circu. latio~ ,??~nazer of the " A~~...~t!L_~onthl " 'f~L and ~resent::'sep;~ ..£ts l€r Ma.:ey ]Jm~ ..R.S. ., ..llt ~1\ of Salve Regina College, spoke ro the students of the Summer Session of Salve R eg ina in an informal !enure Wednesday evening. Miss Flrz:-patrick still retains her position as one of the Board of Directors of the "Atlantic Mont!~ly " and is head of the :filmy Asso- ) o ares . fNLA ~ Th~peaker held her audience spellbound , she relat some o he inte'testing and nterrain,in experie es which she bad during t)le y ars of a ooatlon with Mr. Ellevedgwic ne of enca's greatest ed trors. c_ "The Atlantic Monthly", Miss Fitzpatrick said, as a magazine of three centuries, has given to irs readers a profound I culture drawn from the greatest, most "-vv, promising writers this country has. Merit is the sole requisite for publication of any material. It was the first periodical to publish essays and poems by Longfellow and Whittier. In it the Battle H ym n of the Republic and well known novels such as Goodbye Mr. Chips, Mutiny on the Bounty, Opal's Diary, and Shangri- La first L ~ appeared . he lecrur ~eun,t_h.er.J interviews with famous persons such as His Emi nence William Cardinal O 'Con- ~ nell, AI Smith, Alexander Woolcott and U various other celebrities. 1~· , vdo.- ~ Tfi informal lecture was brought ro ~ close ICh to the d iS!Tl'ay of the enti1F~ed p........., ... ' aud ience who are looki ~ forward to ~ f /_...... "''' enj oyable ucl in the nea ture.
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THE CYGNET
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Editor-in-Chief SISTER MARY GRATIA, R.S.M. Associate Editors SISTER MARY ANDREA, R.S.M. SISTER MARY FLORA, R.S.M. SISTER MARY MERCEDES, R.S.M. SISTER MARY NORBERT, R.S.M. SISTER MARY ALEXINE, R.S.M. SISTER MARY EMILY, R.S.M. SISTER MARY NOEL, R.S.M.
SECULARISM lt seems today that a Christian country is one in which the name of God may be mentioned in polite society only in a remote manner. Practically, God has been invited to mind His own business and to leave all important affairs of the world roman's administration. Moderns are willing to accept God's assistance only if God will remain an impersonal being far, far away from such places as Congress, business offices, industries, schools, and social life. Eyes open in rather surprised stare should anyone publicly acknowledge that God has a place in business, in government, in education, and in society. In these aspects of life many people of our day seem to have unyoked themselves from responsibility to God. And it is for this very reason that we are now living in an age of Secularism which may be defined as the deliberate exclusion of religion from interference in human relationships. Dr. Ernest Johnson confirms this when he says, 'Man's religious life is conceived as an inner and private affair having no necessary relevance to his business or political activities, and incapable of furnishing him with sanctions to guide his organized social relationships." For the real understanding of Secularism in any of its phases, it is especially important to emphasize that it is not a normal or natural attitude for man to assume. lt is not normal because it is the product of an abnormal conditionthe disruption of the spiritual unity of Christianity. Secularism is a hydra-headed monster. lt reared one of its ugly heads during the age of the great Saint Augustine of Hippo when materialism had permeated the era. One has only ro read the City of God to realize how widespread had become this evil. Again in the sixteenth century Secularism became rampant with the spread of the Protestant Revolution. This was the era which brought about the sundering of the ties that made for a united Christendom , the questioning of the legitimate authority of the Church, the bestowing of ecclesiastical authority on civil rulers with the ultimate result that man became the sole pilot of his own destiny. This crisis in the religious life and thought of Europe was a very serious matter in the history of Western civilization. A number of religious orders appeared at that rime, outstanding among which were the Jesuits, ~ho zealously fought the evils of SecularISm. To-day Secularism is on the march again. Its trend is being re-inforced by the economic and social individualism that has penetrated religious as well as social philosophy. Three aspects of Secularism particularly concern us. First, we note the anti-clerical aspect of Secularism and its effects on international relations. The secularist mind is greatly disturbed because of the activity of the Catholic Church .tnd other religious groups in their endeavor to combat false ideologies, and in their concern for postwar rehabilitation and relief. The inroads of Secularism upon the family as an institution render it incompetent to offer practical help to people whose family life centers around religion. We realize that the Church, the organized religious community, is the only normal and effective means whereby wartorn Europe can be restored. The next place where the Secularist concept comes into conflict is with the interests of a just international order. Secularism leaves peace without an adequate force to inspire men to Jove peace <tnd pursue it. C:uhol ics, J eâ&#x20AC;˘vs, and "Prot .
estants were thoroughly imbued with the need for a motivation for peace which religion alone affords when they draw up the Declaration entitled Pattern for Peace. The Secularist believes ordinary morality is not concerned with making a juridic international order. The third field wherein Secularism has taken a strong grip is in education. SecularistS have been quick to exploit for their own purposes the public policy adopted a century ago of banning the formal teaching of religion from rhe curriculum of our common schools. The original proponents of this policy did not intend to minimize the importance of religion in the training of yomh. Secularists would invade the right of parents and invest rhe State with supreme powers in the field of education; they refuse to recognize rhe God-given place that parents have in the education of their children. If the place of God were emphasized, there would be less danger for the future of our democracy, for Secularism would not be so deeply intrenched as it is to-day. It is plain to see that Secularism has created a moral vacuum which will not remain permanently empty. The vacuum must be filled. Have we, rhe first students of Sisters College at Salve Regina, have we any responsibility? Have we any call to leadership? As individuals should it not be a personal matter to be cognizant of the social ills of a sick world? As religious we should offer the "sword of rhe spirit" ro weak, ignoranr, misguided souls; we should give light and life and Jove because charity reigns first in us. This means a life of prayer, sacrifice, Jove. It is rhus individually and collectively that we may "rescore Christ ro the world." Then the night of Secularism will be no more.
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UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN Our .first summer at Salve Regina College is fast drawing ro a close. Words would be inadequate ro describe the happiness it has brought to each and every one of us_ Besides satisfying our intellectual appetites with the abundant foods of knowledge supplied us by the capable faculty at the college, we have enjoyed to the fullest the extra curricular activities. Who will ever forget the glorious day when we were fortunate enough to entertain the Apostolic Delegate, the Most Reverend Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, and our own new Bishop, Most Reverend Russell ]- McVinney? Who will not remember with joy the weekend visit of our Mother General, Mother Mary Bernardine, R. S. M., and Sister Mary Isabel R. S. M ., of the General Council, who comes from our Province? Who has failed to appreciate the honor bestowed on us by the frequent visits of our Mother Provincial, Mother Mary Hilda, R . S. M., and Mother Mary Matthew, R. S. M . assistant Provincial? Was there anyone not thrilled at a chance meeting with the many Bishops who have toured this beautiful college during the summer? Then there were the many interesting trips to add to our enjoyment. Remember the grand time the English Class had on their visit to Purgatory Rock, and the tour of Newport, taking in all the highlights? The History and Art Classes were delighted roo with their trips to the Historical Association, and the Art Association. Wasn't it fun to share the experiences with the other students when we returned? Is there anyone who won't treasure the lecture on "Dante and the Divine Comedy," exquisitely presented by Miss Lucile Harrington of Boston. whose poise, personality, and knowledge of her subject held us enchanted? Yes, our summer at Salve Regina is now at an end, but before we leave its beloved portals we want to say rwo little words, THANK YOU, which though short, come straight from our hearts to all those who have made our stay a summer of happiness that we will treasure forever. So it is not goodby but just until we meet again.
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COMICS
Poets' Corner
Pages without end have been written about the comics. And rightly. For our comics in many instances, constitute one of the gravest dangers to the youth of America. And surely nothing is more precious to a nation than the young souls who wi11 one day be irs very existence. To deny that comics have no effect, either good or bad, on the immature mind is nonsense. The young mind craves the glamorous, adventurous, the sensational. Or why does a group of boys dramatize the latest gang-picture, on the way home, in a realistic and blood-curdling manner ? A young person does not weigh rhe consequences or consider the expediency of his actions. His heart rules. Life must teach him to hold steady rein on that heart, but the least the elders could do is to help rather than hinder. And many mature comic writers are certainly doing the latter. Comic books and newspaper strips generally have been feeding young minds, and in large doses, crime, adventure, glamor and such. The bank is robbed , plane stolen, mechanics of flying mastered after five minutes in the air, perfect threepoint landing made, bag of money cached , and then in the last little square the culprit is brought to justice_ ln the child 's mind the last is forgotten, the excitement remains. Does anyone think for a moment that such concepts as justice, right, honesty, respect for other people's property, the wrong of endangering others lives, or duty, are sinking into the pliant mind by escapades such as these? This influence along with its results was very graphically realized a short whil e ago, when a couple of youngsters, without any previous knowledge except comic book instructions, successfully rook a trip ¡ in a stolen plane. Some would call their success the Providence of God, and some, beginner's luck. At any rate it speaks well for the intelligence of the two. But is it hard to imagine the horror of the results, if their little adventure had been unsuccessful? Surely our youth endowed with intelligence from God , deserve to be trained by mature minds ro the proper use of that great gift, a use that will conduce to the prosperity the safety, and happiness of their own Jives and the lives of others. Comic writers have this grave responsibility. Children read, absorb, and make stories part of their Jives, as is their nature. Often the effects of school and home training on thorough moral principles are nullified by such careless, indifferent, unforseeing authors. Take the comics from the children? Never. But take immature minds away from the work of creating comics_ Give them another job to do. And let men only do that work, who have firm moral principles in their own lives, who realize the need of such principles for the growing mind, and who lastly, want to give America's youth something worthy of their intelligence, something wor thy of a child of God.
THEY HAVE NO WINE Full purple of the laden grape On vines with harvest white; Wheat shocks of gold lie fallow here, Wi11 they be reaped tonight? White fledgling gulls their winged skill try In circles dipping low, Oh, who wi11 draw their up-swept arc Across the sunset's glow? Young hearts are cleft at altars high By holocaustal knife Of love, aronemem, service; who Can span youth's flow of life? The time is ripe, 0 Woman Fair, Repeat thy Cana's plea, That waiting waters of the world Be serviced unto thee!
TO THE SACRED HEAR T Thine outstretched Arms invite us, Unto a place of rest. Thy loving Face entreats us, To be Thine own-Thy blest. Thou callest saint and sinner, To lean upon Thy Heart, And there learn from the Master, To choose the better part. Thine Eyes, so pleading, till us With love and care for Thee. We cannot spurn the entreaty''My child, come unto Me!" And may all those who pass you, Though far from Thee in life, Be urged to learn the lesson That guides us through the strife. Then teach us, Lord ,Thy secret, From sin's stain keep us free, And may we earn our Heaven, By acts of love for Thee. COMMUNION He came softly, With sti1lness of morn, While nature slept, My Lover was born. He possessed me, I held Him fast, Deep within me. All trouble had passed. He did not leave me, for e'en now He lives, Within my soul, And courage He gives. Love is my portion, His gift divine. I am His loved one, He is all mine!
DANTE LECTURE continued from page 1
turing. Complete mastery of the subject matter in all irs aspects and a fine presentation made the lecture a delightful interlude in the summer's work. Students studying Dante's Divine Comedy this summer at Salve Regina were especially happy to hear his praises sung by so able a speaker as Miss Harrington. Appreciation for the great Florentine poet was deepened among his new disciples and a desire to know more about him aroused in the other students. Miss Harringron's command of the flowing expressive Italian language, as she recited verses of dramatic or pathetic import from Dame's great epic, brought out the real beauty of the original work.
Wm. K. Covell Co. HOME AND GARDEN
Francis X . Flannery
SOLITUD E Sweet is the Silence of Solitude Winging its way to the heart, Fi11ing a void with the peace of its mood, Love echoes ne'er ro depart. Swiftly its voice in the swell of the sea Bids awe stay the _power of words. Softly the lilt of its voice in the breeze Soars up like songs of the birds. Gently it sighs in the swaying trees Warbles the birds' morning prayer, Nods with the flower and buzzes with bees, Praising the Lord is its care. Blest is the life that is born of true Love Bearing this flower so fair, Beauty of Nature reflects God above, Rests in the souls who love prayer.
SUPPLI ES Telephone 347
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SESSION ENDS continued from page 1
Leroy Avenues. The Gilbane Building Company is doing the renovation of the second structure to be given to the R oman Catholic Diocese of Providence by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goelet, donors of the main building. The south wing of the ground floor is being made into a laborarory; the north wing will house a gymnasium; the central portion will have an entrance hall, physical director's room, showers, lockers, and utility rooms. In the second floor there will be a dormitory of 24-bed capacity in the south wing, a ha1lway and three bedrooms in the central portion, and a large social room and six additional rooms in the north section. The incoming Freshman class is expected to exceed the capacity for quarters for students in the main building. A majority of that class will probably be housed in the new building.
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THE CYGNET
NEWSPAPER FlLMS Mr. R ussell Meinhold, head of the Department of Visual Aids at Rhode Island College of Education, displayed two films of particular interest to the students of Journalism, at Salve Regina College. A guest instructor at Catholic Teacher's College of Providence, during this summer, Mr. Meinhold in his opening remarks declared that he felt no shock at facing the "ecclesiastical headgear", but rather he found the Sisters "the pleasantest group I have ever worked with". The first picture depicted briefly actual work of a newspaper reporter. Its aim was to correct many of the false notions about reporters given in the moving pictures. It showed many of the characters and departments of a newspaper office such as the City Editor, the Rewrite Man, linotype operator, leg man, news room, composing room, and proof room, terms which to many were unfamiliar before this summer. The film also showed the country editor, who writes, edits, and produces his own paper, almost individually-a far cry from the huge newspaper syndicates in cities today. The second picture, which was somewhat longer than the first, and in technicolor, explained the production of magazines. One point stressed by Mr. Meinhold was the painstaking care taken to reproduce exactly the colors conceived by the artists in their magazine illustrations. This was one of the most interesting features of the movie. As a supplement to the Journalism lectures during the past six weeks, these pictures marked a fitting climax and an additional stimulus to the students to become ardent adherents of this profession and ro foster irs development through future classes.
MOTHER McAULEY. "Salve Regina, Mater Misericordia", we chant three rimes daily to the Blessed Mother of our chosen Spouse! Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy. Like little queens at Mary's feet we kneel ro honor our beloved Virgin Queen. , Very often I contemplate the smiling countenance of our beloved foundress, Mother Catherine McAuley, as she must glance from Heaven above ro witness her happy family and to watch with a mother's loving care, the progress of the works of Mercy in which she had such humble beginnings. In all her hardships and trials, great and small, Mother McAuley implored Mary under the glorious title, Mother of Mercy. And today, we Sisters of Mercy, ask her to bless our works in His service. Without a doubt, it was through her intercession with our Mother of Mercy, that we have received this beautiful Salve Regina College,-dedicated to our Queen. I wonder what our mother thinks about her children. She must render grateful thanks to our Mother of Mercy in heaven. Today, more than twenty thousand Sisters strive to imbibe her spirit, follow her · footsteps, and win souls for Him, the D ivine Teacher. Such is the desire of every true Sister of Mercy. Time marches on,-and so does the spirit of our holy Foundress!
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A. F. Contant
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Cygnet Scribes Score Scoop~·
STUDENT BODY IN TRIBUTE TO MOTHER HILDA
Get Interview With Neptune
The students of the first Sisters' Session of Salve Regina College wish, in this issue of Th e Cygnet, to express their appreciation to Mother Mary Hilda, R. S. M., Mother Provincial, for the wonderful opportunity afforded them in this summer of study. The many advantages of Salve Regina College have been manifest to all, and it is with hearts overflowing with gratitude that the Sisters who have been privileged to benefit by this study in the College by the sea, sincerely and prayerfully say thank you, Mother Provincial.
PROMINENT GUESTS A hand writing expert would have ample material for study among the pages of the Guest Register. The beautiful summer months have afforded many opportunities for hundreds of friends, religious and secular, ro inspect the college and campus at the height of its midsummer beauty. The first name on our list of summer guests is that of the Mother General, Mother M . Bernardine, of Bethesd a, M aryland. Shortly after this there was a neverto-be-forgotten visit of the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Ciognani, who graciously signed the register, and the Most Rev. Russell J. McVinney, Bishop of the Providence Diocese. Ocher members of the hierachy who have penned their names during the past month are Archbishop Joseph Walsh of Tuam, Ireland, and Bishop Michael Ready of Columbus. Among these pages also are the n ames of Rev. Edwin A. Donahue of Perry, Iowa, Rev. Joseph Healey of Rockford, Ill., Rev. Joseph Finger of Techeny, Ill., Rev. Thomas A . Keenan, C. SS. R . of Brooklyn, N . Y., Rev. Joseph A. Keenan of Camp Gande, Brazil, Rev. John J. Laffey of Mooseheart, Ill., Rev. John La Farge, S.J., Editor of America, Rev. Mariner T. Smith, O.P., Chaplain of Catholic University, Rev. William M . Kelly, Bristol, R. I., Rev. Harold J. Flynn of Provi dence, R.I. Among secular friends are the signatures of Dr. Roy J. Defarrari, of Catholic University and Lucile A. Harrington of Brookline, Mass., who spoke inspiringly on the poet Dante. The pages are filled , and each d ay more and more names are added, of those the college is privileged ro call friend s and benefactors. The Guest Register is a tangible proof of the interest and loyalty of religious friend5 of Salve Regina.
Two Cyg net reporters, member~ of the staff of the Salve Regina Summer newssheet, in a desperate effort ro break spectacular news, today hit upon the scoop of the season. Through the mediation of influential persons, the names of whom they refused to disclose, both reporters were granted a lengthy interview with Newport's most distinguished recluse, leader of aquatic nobility, King Neptune himself. Surmounting many difficulties-they were nor equipped with fins, for instance-the newsmen engaged in an hourlong conversation in which His Majesty expressed himself as being greatly pleased at the prospect of being featured in The Cygnet. Taking advantage of his unusual geniality, and the absence of the customary formality, both reporters plied the aged monarch with pertinent questions. Was His Majesty aware of the fact that something vitally new had been added to Ochre Point during the past year? What was the King's opinion of a Catholic Women's College in Rhode Island? Had His Royal Highness heard of the splendors of the interior of Salve Regina and what was his reaction to the account? Drawing on his vast cosmopolitan experiences, what were his predictions as to the future of the new college? N eptune assured the journalists that he had watched the beginnings of Salve Regina with great satisfaction. Both writers noted a trace of superiority in the old gentleman as he added , 'The Sisters of Mercy, are by no means new to me. They are ro be found on nearly every shore touched by my own kingdom. I have met them in Africa, Europe, South America, and especially in Ireland, which
is the cradle of the Order of Mercy." Continuing, the King informed them that he is confident that Rhode Island will reap many benefits from the existence of a Catholic Woman's College within its borders. "For years," he said, "Providence College has supplied the state with some of its foremost citizens in every walk of life. Undoubtedly, Salve Regina College will render a similar service to the State in training irs students ro meet th e highest requirements of Catholic American Womanhood." Since no word of rhe interior of the building had reached the Royal Court, the two newsmen pictured irs elegance in su perlarives that their instructor, Mr. Edward A . Walsh, champion of the simple word, would have deleted with horror. The old monarch, accustomed to the magnificence of nature's beauties, remained unimpressed. He was more interested, he said, in a description of the lofty ideals maintained by the college, and the traditions which it proposed to establish, than in its carved arches and ornate gilding.
HISTORY TOUR
LETTER TO UVY
The Hisrory Class of Salve Regina College visited the Newport Historical Society this week and were conducted through the building by Herbert 0. Brigham, curator, and John H. Greene, Jr., clerk of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and noted Newport historian. The group first visited the Seventh Day Baptist Church incorporated in the historical building, with irs large wooden Claggett clock, daring back to irs foundin!J still hanging on the wall and ticking away the rime to perfection. The communion service used is displayed in a glass case. The Ten Commandments above the pulpit were left untouched by the British during their occupation. Adding greatly to the interest of the visit, the students said, was the colorful personality of Clerk Greene. Steeped in the history of Rhode Island and Newport traditions particularly, he added much to the appreciation of the treasures.
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To the amazement of incredulous fel low-pressmen, the writers reported the accomplishment of the most difficult interview yet recorded in the annals of the Press. Both, however, refused to accept a by-line or any ocher recognition, stating that even an interview with so great a personage was, to the conscien tious reporter "all in the day's work."
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Salve Regina, he believes, has a glorious future. The King predicted that irs influence and ideals will be potent weapons against the growing materialism and godlessness of the age. On this note, the unique interview ended.
increase our own store of knowledge. While going through the college with others, our own sense of observation is sharpened and our curiosity whetted so that we are spurred on to study the details more fully. "Our proudest boast, however, is our lovely chapel which is fittingly the most beautiful room in the college. Our gift to our tourists is the privilege of telling them that they may make three wishes. It is inspiring to see them kneeling so humbly in the presence of the Lord. From the aged person down to the toddler, all are recipients of priceless graces in our own lovely chapel. "Before we realize it, we have completed the tour. Perhaps we find rh u we are just a little bit tired but we cannot help feeling that we have aided in bringing a little happiness in the lives of those with whom we've traveled through these historic rooms here at our own Salve R egin a."
Now that we have come w know you a little better, and feel a bit freer, there are a few things I would like to take up that have been bothering me since we first met. Indeed Dame dubs you as an honest man in his "Divine Comedy" with the words, "As Livy says and he errs nor"; therefore I do not hesitate ro proceed. First of all, could you explain why you have such an aversion for the age old ending "RUNT"? Could it be that you were experimenting with one of those new fangled pens that always run dry at that particular ending? Or-was it due to the fact that being small of stature, you disliked the word because it so reminded you of your size? Another question, please. Were you an ardent lover of that good old outdoor game of golf? I came ro this conclusion after unsuccessfully searching my Latin vocabulary for that ancient form of "fururus esse"- "FORE". I will detain you bur one moment longer with my impertinence, but please, your sentence structure! Did you intend to play "Treasure Hunt"? A little trickster you were, beginning with the last word of a sentence and ending with the first. Indeed, Livy, reading your history has made me feel more and more that the ancient Romans were nor so terribly dry after all. If they all had the sense of humor that I perceive you have, then we would have enjoyed their writings much better than we did in our Caesar days. Sincerely yours, THE STUDENTS OF THE LlVY CLASS
ART EXHIBIT Members of the Art Class visited the Newport Art Association during the Thirty-Seventh Annual Exhibition. The curre~r exhibition featured contemporary Amencan paintings in oil and water colors, a few samples of modern sculpture, and an unusually fine collection of prints and portraits. . While the entire tour proved of great Interest ro the Students, they were espe~ially impressed by the displays of portra its, . landscapes, and various subjects fo !lowmg :!· m::>re corr--c nr iom.l ~ t;-J.e.
4
THE CYGNET 1
BOOKS IN REVIEW THE TREMENDOUS LOVER by Rev. Eugene Boylan, 0 . CIST. R. Christ, on the cross lifted up, draws all things to himself. In His life and death are summed up the whole life and destiny of His Church; and also the whole life and death of each member of that Church. To see this, one must look below the surface of the individuating differences and observe the common pattern. This, Father Boylan does in "This Tremendous Lover". He shows us that the bond of all perfection is love, and in its most significant form is the unity of this love. His book outlines the love story of God and man which is consummated in the unity of the whole Christ. The author tells us that the spiritual life is a partnership between God and man, and may be summed up in the one word, Christ. Our Blessed Lady plays a most importa nt part in the formation of this Whole Christ. All graces come to us through Mary, and through her in turn, we all go to Christ. No more certain way of being united co Christ is shown than by becoming one with His Blessed Mother. The author's purpose in writing this book is co develop close union with God. H e does this by showing how Catholic life can be Jived tO its fu llest extent. H e makes clear what it means to be a Catholic and what the underlying principles of Chr istian ity are. Consid ered, too, in "This Tremendous Lover", is the importance of the interior life for the individual Christian. The author tells us that the true hope of the world in the present crisis is the Catholic leavening of society. He says rhat "all. Catholicity-individ ual, social, secular, or regular- must begin and end in interior union with Christ". "For there is no other name under heaven given by men whereby we must be saved". ( Acts iv . 12.) The success of our Catholicity depends, therefore, not on Catholic organization, but on a real and personal love of each Christian for Jesus Christ, "This Tremendous Lover". A COMPANION TO T HE SUMMA Vol I by Rev. Walter Farrell, O.P. As l was saunter ing slowly down the sandy path, the smiling sun invited me to seek repose on a bench of hunters' green beneath a spreading elm. My companion, enti tled "A Companion to the Summa" which had been tucked under my right arm, now revealed itself to my guilty eye. l sat down to meditate and study our Ineffable God and His perfections. As a waft of a breeze welcomed my presence, my warm finger flipped through three st iff white pages, and firmly pressed the first in bold type. My canonical eye sca nned these lines: "What we see in the world of existence, of beauty, of goodness, of grace and all the rest is had from God Who is overflowing with perfection. These creatures share, participate in the perfection of God." Yes, I pondered these thoughts deeply. Stretched before me were deep blue waves gush ing rhythmically as the tide came in. Just as these, the short span of Life reaches the shores of Eternity! Through the stillness of the air, two silver-gray sea gulls, wings flapping, dive thrice in quest of food . To my right, shivering leaves swaying to and fro form lacy patterns as their shadows waltz upon the sunny stage of the green grass. Upon the balcony of the lower branch above my head, a robin red, with crest high, answers to the call of his unseen mate. I closed my book. How the good Saint Francis beheld God in all His works of creat ion! In all these observations we, roo, should see reflections of His divinity which He manifests to us as little tokens of His love. I gazed upon the fluffy cumu lus clouds and thus my lesson ended.
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SCRIBE SCOOPED DURING DILEMMA The first edition of T he Cygnet was received with great acclaim. "Creditable", said the crit ics. "Give us another", our friends requested, and so we the members of the Journalism Class, the neophyte reporters, set ourselves to the ard uous task of editing another paper. And so I sit a lonely figure in the library. H ere I have come for an inspiration, quiet, and perhaps an idea. Here I am faced with a major problem. I have "covered" my "beat", it is almost time for the "deadline" and nothing has "broken" yet! What does the erudite reporter do when faced with a similar plight? Do things happen in a news office all the time or does one make news ? Slowly, studiously I finger the pages of the books and magazines which surround me. Here at least there must be something co interest my readers. H ow easy it all seems. H ow intr iguing the titles ! "Why Can't You Write-It's Much Simpler Than You Think", "Teach Yourself To Write", "Writing Is Work" ( I'm inclined to agree), "The Great Secret", "The W ord Writer Is Spelled T-R-Y", "H ow To Write For A Living", "Are You Making the Most of Your Ability", "What to Write, H ow tO W rite and Where to Sell", and finally "The Starving Writer". And what have I learned from all my perusing? My work will sell at two and one-half cents a word on acceptance and that payment will be made on a basis of individual merit. They tell me that I can teach myself co write and I can revise my own stories. My style should be narrative, compact, dramatic and readable. And so for hours I read on. Nothing has happened yet. I'm afraid that I shall never get rhar "by-line" because my more alert neighbor is going to get that "scoop "!
CAM·PUS CHATIER Could it be a sign of something approaching-those so called "necessary evils"-final examinations? A sudden serious hush, the roo serious countenances and knitted brows in concentration, groups gathered here and there are infallible evidences of the proximity of that "D Day".
-------------------------------------------Letters to Editor
DEAR EDITOR :
Congratulations to you and your staff on the first issue of The Cygnet"! The news items were particularly interesting to all the Sisters of Mercy. We liked, roo, your editorials, presenting as they did topics of current importance. The poetry corner was a novel innovation and we en joyed ·the book review. If the following issues measure up to the high standard of rhe initial publication, then you are assured of a growing subscr iption list. Best wishes for your future efforts. THE STUDENTS OF SALVE REGINA SUMMER SCHOOL
DEAR EDITOR :
The first Summer Session of Salve Regina College draws ro an end! In retrospect, memories are crammed with hours of study, happily combined wirh the enjoyment of sea breezes, and the glorious panorama of earth and sky. Before our introduction to the college by-the-sea, such a Utopia existed only in our wishful thinking. Now, as we recall these happy six weeks, we are deeply grateful that the reality has been realized. To those of us who, in pursuit of education, had become veritable "globetrotters", the summer at Salve Regina has been a delightful contrast ro past study sessions. In point of convenience, it has had innumerable conveniences, not offered in many long-established colleges in important cities such as New York, Boston, or W ashington. The conditions under which the sisters studied throughout the day, made .for an atmosphere that was at once studious and free of strain. The joy of remaining as resident students has been doubly appreciated by those to whom street-car commuting presented an aspect of summer study to be thoroughly dreaded. In counting our blessings, who can omit the privilege of daily Mass in the college proper, with no necessity of rushing up the street or around the block for the most important engagement of the' student's day? -·------·
MORNING REVERIE
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For four weeks I've done it, every morning without fail. As soon as class is over I join rhe eager throng at the desk where the mail is distributed. I try to act nonchalant, to wear that "I really don't expect any" expression bur my hopes are high! Surely someone will write or at least send a card. . . . I stand aside and watch the others approach the table. First come the confident ones, those who answer their mail, then those who look for the occasional letter, lastly the group like myself who look in vain but never lose hope. In very short order the desk is cleared, the crowd drifts away, reading and commenting on the news they received. I take one last quick glance, maybe I overlooked mine, but an empty table is my reward. Oh well, tomorrow is another day, and "hope springs eternal in the human breast"!
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We are all looking forward to that "red letter" day-when our R everend Chaplain dons the apron and hat of our capable chef. H e has made some serious promises in the presence of several witnesses that he has very special talent in that field . W e won't mind if we have to wait for everything to be ready at once! But, Father, a pressu re cooker would solve that difficulty. - - · - - - - -·- - · - - - - - -
THE BREAKERS By rhe gracious invitation of the Newport County Preservation Society, the faculty and students of Salve Regina were invited to see the splendors of "The Breakers". According to the leafle t issued by the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, "The Breakers" is the most magnificent of all the Newport residences. The faculty and students were grateful for the privilege given them of viewi ng another of rhe hisroric points of interest in which Newport abounds.
The sun has climbed well above the tree lines on the eastern shore yet the world seems sleeping still. This is the lull of deep mid-summer when the rhythm of things lessens its tempo and even old mother nature loses her urgency. It is hard to believe that shortly this peaceful, contented quiet will bustle into the riotous color of early fall. The ocean is a vast expanse of silvery blue, ruffled to form lacy crests by the slight warm breeze. Shreds of mist cling to the shoreline, hugging the water's edge. Gazing on a scene such as this, the foremost word in one's vocabulary is vacation, and I stop to consider the meaning of the term. "A vacation is a rest, leisure, an intermission, freedom from worry, exemption from work for a period, usually in the summer time". Investigating still further I find that a rest is a change of occupation. Religious may be said, then, to have a respite from regular routine in the summer programs that prevail in most communities. The rules of the Sisters of Mercy, which provide for the realization of the aims of
Yes, it has been a summer long to be remembered, and joyfully to be anticipated for future years! Our gratitude, our sincere thanks to all who have made it possible! Yours truly, AN APPRECIATIVE STUDENT
DEAR EDITOR :
"It's all in a lifetime" may be true in some cases, but not at Salve Regina College. Two Sisters realized how inappropriate this quotation is. One afternoon while they were diligently poring over books--on Dante, of course-visitors passed through the Library. This group was followed by an even larger, more questioning group. We were so absorbed, we scarcely raised an eye. At last three priests came along to admire the beauties of the Library, besides the other rooms. One of the three walked over to us with outstretched hand, "I came all the way from Ireland to see the magnificence of this college, Sisters. I find it was well worth my while," he smiled. What was our consternation when we realized he was not a priest,-but a Bishop! The same thought ran through our headsshould we try to climb over the chair blocking our way, or kiss his ring without kneeling? Everything happened so fast, we did, as you may have guessed,nothing! After that nerve racking minute we gave up Dante in despair and headed for the safety of a second corridor class room. By this time Father Dillon, our Chaplain, had arrived on the scene tO finish escorting the distin g uished visitors through the College. "Sisters," we heard him say, "may an Archbishop interrupt?" Imagine our feelings! We then had the happiness of meeting Archbishop W alsh of Taum, Ireland. He was accompanied by Rev. Charles Curran, Pastor of St. Mary, Bristol, and Rev. Joseph Kelly of St. Columban Seminary, Bristol. The Sisters decided it would be more specific to say, "It's all in a day's time" at Salve Regina College. A STUDENT
·--------·- - - - - - -the Institute; namely, perfection of the members, and the salvation of souls is attained through education, education of the teacher, who in turn will train the young. Normal teacher training is no longer considered adequate for the full-fledged teacher. Raising of standards everywhere, in every profession and walk of life, demands of educators that their staffs be of the best. This, then, in brief is the reason for our sojourn at Salve Regina ; for, though each sister has her Bachelor of Science in Education, and has been certified tO teach by the state, yet she is working now for a Bachelor of Arrs degree. Yes, that is why we are here ; that is why I am gazing out now at Ochre Point on the ocean's edge in Newport. That is why I must cease my reverie on this beauteous July morning and turn from a contemplation of the deep blue sea to the realities of every day life. For the bell has rung, and that means another day's classes have begun at Salve Regina. That means another opportunity tO fulfill our roles as Sisters of Mercy, another chance ro give this glorious sunshiny July day into the keeping of the Regina who watches o'er our college by the sea.
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