USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > History of the diocese of Hartford > Part 59
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There are three examinations a year-the first, before the Christmas holi- days ; the second, before the Easter recess ; and the third, immediately before the close of the academic year in June.
The first examination was held on the 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd of De- cember, 1897 ; the second included the first five days of April, 1898; and the . third examination was held in June, from the 22nd to the 27tl1, 1898. On the 28th of June, 1898, the first annual commencement of seminary was cele- brated, and it will be remembered by those participating as a most happy and auspicious day for the young seminary.
On September 7, 1898, the portals of St. Thomas' were again thrown open to receive a body of students to the number of 38-22 boarders and 16 day-scholars. It is evident from the increase of resident students, that the
PREPARATORY SEMINARY, Hartford, Conn.
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
boys appreciate the advantages to be derived from living at the seminary, where the kind treatment they receive and the regularity of life enable thein to progress more easily in their studies.
The library, which at present contains over 700 volumes-all donated by Bishop Tierney-was opened for general use on November 4, 1897. Efforts are being made to increase the number of books by securing, by gift or pur- chase, all the best inodern works in literature, science, history, philosophy, and theology. It is also desired to make of the seminary library a diocesan institution, in which may be deposited old documents and manuscripts and such old additions of books as are of value when deposited in such a place, but which are almost worthless when relegated to trunks and attics.
On November 4, 1898, a literary society was organized by the students. The object of this society is to promote a deeper interest in the study of the English classics, and to cultivate a high literary spirit among the students. Bishop Tierney was chosen first lionorary president, the prefect was selected as moderator, while all the other offices were filled by the students.
That the students may be rounded into good strong men is a wish dear to the Bishop and faculty. For this purpose the best possible facilities have been furnished. A brick building, 30 feet high, 25 feet wide, and 40 feet long, has been fitted out with modern gymnastic apparatus; a double hand- ball court has been built close by the gymnasium, while the grounds around the seminary are extensive enough to afford the students ample opportunity for tennis, cricket, and the more vigorous games of base ball and foot ball. These sports, however, are never encouraged to the extent of injury to studies.
Education, rightly understood, means not alone mental and physical development, but also moral training. And while every effort is being made to educate the mind and to strengthen the body, a much greater care is exer- cised over the moral culture of the students. In an institution of ecclesiastical lore, the moral development is considered of most importance, and at St. Thomas' it holds the first place, as it should in every well-arranged system of education. The students are expected to approach the sacraments once a week, and to attend High Mass and vesper service on Sundays at the cathedral, where they cannot fail to imbibe a love for the beautiful ceremonial of the churchi.
Instruction in Christian doctrine is given daily. Private devotion is like- wise encouraged, and sodalities exist for fostering it.
The League of the Sacred Heart was established in the seminary on the Ist of October, 1897.
The Society of the Holy Rosary was organized on the feast of the Holy Rosary, October 2, 1897. Its object is the fostering of filial devotion to tlie Mother of God, and the practice of virtue and piety among its members.
SEMINARY OF MT. ST. JOSEPH, HARTFORD.
T. ST. JOSEPH'S SEMINARY was founded in 1873 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop McFarland. His purpose was to provide a school in which the young ladies of the diocese might perfect themselves in the higher branches of a liberal education hallowed by religion.
The seminary is situated on one of the most beautiful sites in Hartford on Farmington avenue, adjoining St. Joseph's magnificent cathedral. The building,
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
a massive one, possesses much architectural beauty, and was erected with a special view to the wants of a first-class boarding-school. The grounds are extensive and laid out with much taste. Every incentive is offered to induce sufficent exercise in the open air. In their system of education the Sisters endeavor to combine mildness with firmness, and their constant aim is to instill into their pupils those principles of religion which are the only safeguard through life. The Sisters re- quire from the pupils an exact observance to the rules of the school, as they are convinced that submission to lawful authority and respect for the rights of others are as necessary for the good of the individual pupil as for that of the entire insti- tution. The course of studies embraces all grades from the primary to the acade- mic, and a careful training in the French, German and Latin languages is received. There are also musical, business and art departments.
"It is a noteworthy fact that the Sisters of Mercy have, in all their teaching, pursued a systematic course of instruction leading up to practical results. They aim to instruct their pupils so they can utilize their knowledge in practical pursuits. The result is that many young ladies from this seminary are now engaged in business offices, and also as successful teachers, while many have been prepared here for higher colleges. At the Normal schools of the State the certificate of Mt. St. Joseph is accepted in lieu of an entrance examination.
"That the Sisters of Mercy have taken a foremost part in the educational work of Hartford no one familiar with its history will deny. They have taught in every grade from the alphabet of the English language to the most advanced classics. Their teachings hallowed by religion have been productive of much good, and fortunate is he or she whose education is wholly or in part received under their guidance."
ACADEMY DE NOTRE DAME. WATERBURY.
T™ HE fame of this educational institute is not confined to the limits of the city in which it is located, but has gone throughout the diocese and beyond. To the late Bishop of Providence, Right Rev. T. F. Hendricken, D.D., then pastor of the Immaculate Conception parish, Waterbury, is due the honor of introducing the Sisters de Notre Dame from the mother-house, Villa Maria, Mont- real, into Waterbury, where they arrived in 1869. The foundation of the convent occurred during the episcopate of Bishop McFarland, and on the occasion of his last visit in 1873, he remarked to the sisters: " The day is not far distant when the little house on the hill will spread its wings to shelter hundreds." The bishop's prophecy has been fulfilled. A handsome and stately edifice has replaced the humble building in which both Sisters and pupils spent many happy and pro- fitable years. The new building has been justly designated as " one of the orna- ments of the city." It was erected during the pastorate of the Rev. John A. Mulcahy, who supervised its construction.
Before the sisters arrived in Waterbury no little difficulty was experienced in securing a suitable house which would become for them a convent home, owing to the anti-Catholic prejudices, then prevailing in certain quarters. However, they purchased through the agency of a third party a dwelling-house from Anson G. Stocking, for which he received $11,000. The Sisters had not been long established before their services to the community were recognized with the result that more pupils asked for admission than they could adequately accommodate. Accordingly the convent was enlarged by the erection of what has since become
1
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known as Commencement Hall ; at the same time the grounds were beautified by the planting of shrubs and the laying of concrete walks.
As to location the Academy de Notre Dame is highly favored. It is built on an eminence in an elevated portion of the city and its pupils enjoy the salubrious air for which this part of Connecticut is famous. The course of studies is thorough and complete ; its study-halls and class-rooms are equipped with every aid for the acquisition of knowledge, and not only can those who aspire to the acquisition of a solid and refined English education attain the goal of their ambition, but, as well also, those who seek to become proficient in music, both vocal and instru- mental, drawing, painting, sewing, etc. The pupils are also taught French, and as it is the language of the house, soon become proficient in its use.
The first Directress of the convent was Madame St. Cecilia. Her successor was Madame St. Gabriel. She was followed by Madame St. Mary, who in turn was succeeded by the present Superioress, Madame St. Stanislaus.
"A prominent trait in the management is the deportment and behaviour of the young ladies who have had the good fortune to spend some time at this school ; and so conspicuous is this feature that an eminent educator who usually spends his summer vacation in this beautiful town, and who once had ample opportunity for forming a correct judgment, said: 'For true lady-like bearing, for that easy and refined yet unaffected manner which should be one of the chief aims of a polite education, the pupils of Notre Dame are the peers of any in the land.'"
NOTRE DAME ACADEMY, PUTNAM.
HIS institution of learning, the fame of which is well known, is situated in the most beautiful part of Putnam, on a rising eminence, which insures pure air and commands an extensive and superb scenery. This fine edifice has been erected with a special view to the wants of a first-class boarding school, well heated by steam and supplied with hot and cold water, and all modern improvements and conveniences. The building is of pressed brick with elaborate granite trimmings; the water tables, the buttress, caps and belts are also of granite, thus showing the solidity of its character. A graceful tower with chime of bells rises on its side; the distance from base to apex being 112 feet.
The exterior surrounding corresponds well with the interior. Beautiful grounds, evergreen shrubbery, marble statuary, circular concrete walks, fountains sending up their sparkling jets and surrounded by flower beds, draw the attention of all who have any love for the beautiful. On the right of an extensive avenue is the Grotto of Lourdes, an excellent imitation of the French original. Pleasant verandas, shrines, summer houses, form a delightful resort for pupils during leisure hours. Electric lights enhance the beauty of the evening scene. The beautiful shrine of St. Ann in front of the façade has become a centre of attraction for pilgrims far and near. Besides this favorite park the young ladies may also enjoy the woodland dale.
About a mile distant is a shady grove, on the banks of the Quinebaug. known as "St. Josephi's Island." Here is a lofty retreat, a seclusion for the tired students, and a charming spot for the merry-hearted school girl.
The past history guarantees the promise for the future. The Alumna have added lustre to the reputation of Putnam. The moral and intellectual education of the pupils is attended to with the greatest solicitude, and the most devoted attention is paid to their domestic comforts. While the solid studies are regarded
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
as the more important, great attention is given to the graceful accomplishments which throw a charm over domestic life and tend toward elevating society.
ACADEMY OF THE HOLY FAMILY, BALTIC.
T HIS academy holds high rank among the educational institutions of Con- necticut. It is under the supervision of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, who were introduced into Baltic by Rev. Father Van Laar, at the request of Right Rev. Bishop McFarland, on October 15, 1874.
Situated in a beautiful location in Baltic, the academy affords a most pictur- esque view of the surrounding country, and on account of its high and beautiful position is admirably adapted for educational purposes. The extensive grounds of the institution afford every facility for open-air exercise, which the pupils are required to take at all seasons. The curriculum of the academy embraces all the studies generally followed in schools of the highest rank. Six Sisters formed the first community in Baltic.
The object of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy is the santifica- tion of its members by the practice of works of charity. These include the educa- tion of young girls in boarding schools, orphanages, public and private schools, hospital work, care of the aged of both sexes, and of the deaf and dumb, and blind. The care of male insane persons, and the education of boys beyond the primary grades are the only works of charity forbidden by the Congregation. Dispensation to teach boys in grammar grades has been granted to the Congrega- tion in England and America The constitutions and general rules of the Con- gregation were approved by his Holiness Pope Gregory XVI., on December 18, 1843, and five years later, in 1848, the Congregation itself was approved by his Holiness Pope Pius IX. The mother-house is in Tilburg, Holland, in the diocese of Bois-le-Duc. The chief direction of the Congregation is confided to a Mother-General and four sisters. The Congregation has ninety five convents. The greater number are in Holland and Belgium; three in England under the patronage of the Earl of Denbigh; three in America, two in the East Indies, and one in South America. This last foundation was due to the efforts of Bishop Wulfingh, C.S.S.R., of Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana. Being anxious to obtain Sisters to care for the lepers of his diocese, the bishop laid the matter before the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII. His Holiness expressed the wish that the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy should take charge of the leper colony. Con- sidering the self-abnegation necessary for such a sphere of labor, Mother General Smarius declined to appoint Sisters for the work. Consequently a circular was sent to the different convents of the Congregation asking for volunteers. Three hundred applications were immediately received. From this number six Sisters were chosen to form the necleus of the South American colony. They arrived at Paramaribo, on September 29, 1894.
The academy at Baltic opened with two teachers and two pupils. At present, there are twelve teachers and seventy-five pupils. The Alumnæ number about one hundred.
The Directress of the convent and academy is Mother M. Aloysio.
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S VILLA, HARTFORD.
HIS institution is under the direction of the Sisters of Mercy and is in a beau- tiful and healthful location. The Villa, an attractive and substantial struc- ture, was purchased by the Sisters for its present purposes in September, 1877, and in 1883 a wing was added to the main building to accommodate the in- creasing number of pupils. On Thanksgiving day of the same year the school was blessed with impressive ceremonies by Bishop McMahon, assisted by a number of clergymen. The Villa stands on an eminence, is commodious, thoroughly venti- lated, and furnished throughout with all modern improvements. The grounds are extensive, and afford ample means of exercise. The school has accommoda- tions for about seventy boys, who are received between the ages of four and fourteen. The curriculum followed is preparatory for entrance either to High school or col- lege. "Everything conducive to the health, happiness and advancement of the pupils receives constant and conscientious attention. The discipline is maternal and uniform and the course of instruction thorough and extended. In such a healthful atmosphere as this the boy gains in physical vigor and at the same time has his mind cultivated by a carefully planned system of education. That St. Augustine's is capable of turning out boys thoroughly prepared for their after-work is proved by the many who have gone from here to higher institutions and have graduated with honor."
St. Augustine's school was founded by Mother M. Angela, and the present Superioress is Sister M. Genevieve.
ST. MARY'S HOME FOR THE AGED, HARTFORD.
HIS most worthy, charitable and benevolent institution was founded on Oc- tober 18, 1880, by the Rev. Mother Angela Fitzgerald. Three Sisters of Mercy took possession of the building which had been purchased in November, 1880. Two men and three women were the first recipients of the charity of the Sisters. Now sixteen men and sixty-five women receive the gentle minis- trations of seventeen Sisters.
The increase in the number of inmates made the construction of another building necessary, the corner-stone of which was laid on May 19, 1895. The building, a handsome, commodious and substantial structure, was completed and dedicated on April 8, 1896, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney.
Since its foundation, St. Mary's has registered about 120 inmates. The Home is beautifully situated on a farm of 116 acres near the city line of Hartford. The farm is well stocked, and is well cultivated, yielding nearly the full supply of vegetables used in the institution. It was formerly the property of Mr. Terry, father of the gifted poetess, Rose Terry Cooke.
ST. FRANCIS' HOSPITAL, HARTFORD.
T. FRANCIS' HOSPITAL was founded by Right Rev. Bishop Tierney, and was opened for tlie reception of patients on September 1, 1897. With the exception of contagious and infectious diseases all classes of disease are received liere. During the first year of the institution's ex- istence, i. e., from September 1, 1897, to September 1, 1898, 314 patients were treated ; the mortality was 14, making a percentage of deaths to the whole itt1111-
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
ber received, 472 per cent. Of the 14 patients who died, 10 were incurable when received. Of the need in Hartford of such an institution of Christian charity and benevolence, the President of the Medical Staff said in his first annual report :
"The wisdom and urgent need of such an institution as St. Francis' Hospi- tal, I think, is established beyond any question of doubt, from the loyal support and cordial endorsement it has received from the majority of the profession in our own city and from those in surrounding towns in the county, and as it is not in- tended to antagonize in any particular way with the work of the older hospi- tal, but is supplying a long-felt void in our city, I feel assured that it will grow in favor and receive the support and endorsement of the profession at large, and the approval of the vast majority of the best people of our city and State."
The officers of the Board of Directors of St. Francis' Hospital are: President, Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, D.D. ; Vice President, Very Rev. John A. Mulcahy, V. G. ; Secretary, Rev. Walter J. Shanley ; Treasurer, Mother Valencia.
Board of Directors .- Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, D.D., Very Rev. John A. Mul- cahy, V.G., Rev. Walter J. Shanley, Rev. Thos. W. Broderick, Rev. James Smith, John O'Flaherty, M.D., George C. Bailey, M.D., Daniel F. Sullivan, M.D., Hon. Thos. McManus, Hon. Patrick Garvan, James Aliern, John W. Coogan, Capt. Cor- nelius Ryan, Matthew Hogan.
HOSPITAL STAFF.
Officers of the Medical Board .- President, John O'Flaherty, M.D .; Vice-presi- dent, John Dwyer, M.D .; "'Secretary, Wm. J. Lynch, M.D .; Consultants, W. F. Bacon, M. D .; S. B. St. John, M. D. Medical Board-Nathan Mayer, M.D., John O'Flaherty, M.D., John Dwyer, M.D.,1 and Joseph H. Cahill, M.D. Surgical-P. P. Carlan, M.D., M. M. Johnson, M.D., O. C.Smith, M.D., D. F. Sullivan, M.D., J. F. Dowling, M.D., M. A. Bailey, M.D., and J. A. Boucher, M.D. Gynecologists-G. C. Baily, M. D., and A. J. Wolff, M.D. Neurologist-T. D. Crothers, M.D. Bacteriologist- John B. McCook, M.D. Doctor of Dental Surgery-James McManus, D.D.S. Oculist and Aurist-F. T. Waite, M.D. Visiting Physicians-John O'Flaherty, M.D., Nathan Mayer, M.D., P. P. Carlan, M.D., Joseph H. Cahill, M.D., and William J. Lynch, M.D. Visiting Surgeons-M. M. Johnson, M D., D. F. Sulli- van, M.D., O. C. Smith, M.D., J. F. Dowling, M.D., J. A. Boucher, M.D., and M. A. Bailey, M.D.
The hospital is in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph, from Chambery, France, and true to their exalted vocation are angels of mercy to their stricken brethren who come under their influence and care. Imitating Him whose spouses they are, they go about doing good; healing the sick, strengthening the weak, consoling the sorrowing, imparting cheerfulness and warmth and happiness in the midst of the gloom that often attends illness, carrying heavenly favors everywhere with their presence; a noble vocation is theirs and thrice holy.
SUMMARY.
INSTITUTIONS IN CHARGE OF SECULAR CLERGY.
HARTFORD .- St. Thomas' Preparatory Seminary-Very Rev. John Synnott, rector; Rev. R. F. Fitzgerald, D. D., vice-rector; Revs. B. Broderick, D. D., J. F. Ryan, Hubert Dahme, Frank Mulville and Mr. A. Plunkett, professors.
1 Deceased.
ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL, Hartford.
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
INSTITUTIONS IN CHARGE OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS.
HARTFORD .- Missionary College of Our Lady of La Salette and Theological Seminary-Both conducted by the Missionary Fathers of La Salette.
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE DIOCESE. ORDERS OF MEN.
Dominican Fathers (Eastern province).
Franciscan Fathers (Friars' Minor).
Jesuit Fathers (New York; Maryland Province).
Missionaries of La Salette (Grenoble, France). ORDERS OF WOMEN.
Sisters of the Assumption (Nicolet, P. Q.). Sisters of Charity (Convent Station, New Jersey).
Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (Mt. St. Vincent, on Hudson).
Sisters of St. Joseph (Chambery, France).
Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (Tilburg, Holland).
Sisters of St. Francis (Allegany, N. Y.). Sisters of St. Joseph (Flushing, L. I.). Sisters of Mercy (Hartford, Mother-house).
Sisters of Mercy (Meriden, Mother-house).
Sisters of Mercy (Middletown, Mother-house).
Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame (Villa Maria, P. Q.). Sisters of the Holy Cross and of the Seven Dolors (St. Laurent, P. Q.). School Sisters of Notre Dame (Baltimore, Md.).
SOCIETIES.
HE oldest society of Catholics in Connecticut was the Hibernian Provident Society of New Haven, incorporated in 1841 for benevolent purposes by Bernard Riley, Michael Coogan, Michael Martin, and others. The next in order of time was St. Patrick's Society, Hartford, incorporated in 1842 by Rev. John Brady, Thomas Keeney, John Hickey, James McManus and Michacl Byrnes. St. John's Sick and Burial Society, Hartford, followed in 1848, with James McManus, Edward McGuire, John Lake and James Mulligan as charter members. The Montgomery Benevolent Society of New Haven was incorpor- ated in 1849 by William Downes, James Reilly, and others, but it does appear to have been a religious organization.
THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS.
HE first Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Connecticut was organized on March 6, 1869, at Bridgeport. James Davitt was the first President, and the records show that seventeen members enrolled them- selves on that occasion under the white banner of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. The present membership is 5,600, an increase of 105 from January 1, 1898, to January 1, 1899. The present State officers are : State President, James P. Bree; State Secretary, John D. Cunningham ; State Treasurer, P. D. Ryan ; State Chaplain, Rev. B. O'R. Sheridan.
The principles of the A. O. H. are embodied in the motto of the order. The intent and purpose of its members is to promote friendship, unity and charity. They maintain the aged, the sick, the blind and the infirm. The Golden Rule receives practical illustration in the charity the order dispenses, in the intimate
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bond of union which exists among its members, and in the good-will which the sons of this organization have for their brethren of what race or creed soever. Practical Catholics only, that is, men who comply with the religious obligations imposed by the church, are eligible for membership ; and should a member fail in this necessary requirement; should he fail to give edification and become a rock of offence, he becomes amenable to the law which decrees expulsion as the penalty. The rules of the order call for a chiaplain in each county, who will be named by the Bishop, and to him must all questions pertaining to morality or religion be submitted before action is taken.
Faithful is the A. O. H. to the divine injunctions :
" Let love be without dissimulation, hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good.
" Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood, with honor preventing one another."-Romans xii. 9, 10.
" But above all things have charity, which is the bond of perfection."-Colos- sians iii. 14.
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