USA > New York > Niagara County > History of the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels : Niagara University, Niagara County, N.Y., 1856-1906 > Part 25
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His large experience in the directive line makes him a valuable officer in our upper department, which has for its specialty the train- ing of men for the priesthood. His temperament suits the place, while his interest in everything pertaining to the comfort and correct bearing of those under his charge has resulted in preserving a highly satisfactory condition of affairs in our senior house.
Having revealed, perhaps to the amazement of some old timers, the very liberal conditions under which our study hall boys now work, pray, and thrive at " Old Niagara," it will not be amiss to give some account of the present status of our seminary department. Since liberalism is the semi-fault or the semi-virtue of the hour some of our readers may be anxious to know what changes have affected our senior house since the days when they wore the cassock here, and an- swered in the morning with Christian alacrity the five o'clock "Benedicamus Domino."
We premise by saying that the creeping thing called " progress " has found but scant lodgment in the seminary department of Niag- ara University. No improvements worth mention have been at- tempted in our system of spiritual training over that received through our predecessors from the hands of Saint Vincent de Paul. Home-made gas has, indeed, yielded to acetylene and electric light;
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the ceilings are now mostly of block tin instead of heavy, threatening plaster; the reading room has more books, if not more readers; the heating apparatus is less erratic than formerly, while the linen sent over from our laundry vies with the whitest from Troy. But no im- provement has been made in the hour of rising or of retiring; no progressive method has been discovered which will dispense with meditation, Mass, repetition of prayer, conference, spiritual reading, silence, separation, or the other exactions enumerated under the head- ing of Seminary Rules.
A seminarian of forty years ago, returning to Niagara, would find the order of the day much the same as when he left, and the discipline as strict in demanding that a full day's work shall be ac- complished. Unlike the boys of the study hall, our seminarians un- derstand that they are admitted to the senior department only for a very specific purpose, and that they are to sacrifice convenience to duty whenever these two elements happen to conflict. Our boys have the largest amount of freedom consistent with their advancement in study and Catholic training; our seminarians can be considered as having virtually only such freedom from restraint as the laws of hygiene make imperative.
A perusal of our prospectus with its order of exercises, list of studies and prohibitions, will convince the reader that the seminary department at Niagara, by the strictness of its rules, is no mean training ground for those spiritual soldiers who are called to fight the triple enemy, World, Devil, Flesh, in the ranks of the Church Militant.
To the question how long our seminary department has been in operation we reply, practically since 1856, since which time we have educated nearly a thousand subjects for the priesthood. Did they all turn out well? No. Was that the fault of their seminary train- ing? No; it was in spite of that training. To condemn a seminary because now and again one of its graduates proves recreant is to put the seal of condemnation on every mother who tries, but fails, to bring up an honest, God-fearing son.
The writers of these lines have no intention of defending the good name of the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, for no such defence is necessary. The fact that now and again one who was educated here, or who came from elsewhere to be ordained, has slipped from the path and gone astray, does no more harm to us than to place us in the rank of every other spiritual mother in the land with respect to un-
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grateful or unfortunate offspring. Nor would we have touched upon this phase of the subject except to express our pity for the "I am holier than thou " tribe of superficial critics, whose estimate of a seminary is often based on a prejudice and enlarged on a doubtful hearsay. Should the system of ecclesiastical training be shown to be defective or vicious, the institution maintaining it deserves censure; but so long as the system followed is one which results year after year in the production of good priests, captious critics ought to be careful lest they offend, not only the canons of decency but like- wise those of commutative justice.
The writers, perhaps, like some of our readers, have heard com- plaints and disparaging remarks about seminaries throughout the United States and elsewhere from those who had axes to grind, or petty spites to avenge. But as a rule, with scarcely an exception, our seminaries are good enough, and regular enough, and efficient enough in their faculties to endow any seminarian worthy of the name with as much as he can manage in the way of ecclesiastical training. One thing no seminary can do: circumvent the foolishness of babblers who commit breaches of discipline on the sly, and then, when safe in other circles, narrate the episodes as proof that the guardians are derelict in their duty. There never yet was Prefect who could not be fooled by the smallest boy in the study hall; there never yet was Director of Seminarians, no matter in what institution, who was always proof against deception from the sycophant and the hypocrite.
In the last analysis we find that the good priest is foreshadowed in the boy of good character, who will be sure to carry his home train- ing with him through study hall to seminary. If that training be Christian, elevating, the student will not lose it, but rather increase its efficiency by adherence to seminary rule. On the other hand, if he be low-bred, and yet succeed in running the gauntlet so as to squeeze into the sanctuary, the veneer of ecclesiastical training may cling to him for a few months after his ordination, but perseverance in the ways of a priestly gentleman must not be expected short of a miracle akin to that which has for its object to raise the dead to life.
Having expressed ourselves on seminary training in somewhat didactic style, which, after all, is not unbecoming in teachers of experience, we pass to another vital question, that of the giving of missions.
Niagara may be said to have been in the missionary field from the days of our foundation, for her first President went abroad fre-
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quently in that work which Saint Vincent regarded as chief among the many duties imposed by him upon his priests. Our second Presi- dent was so largely engaged in missionary work that his active con- nection with Niagara may be said to have suffered on that account. Fathers Smith and Rice found time, despite their exacting duties, to leave home now and again, going on missions, some of them in distant localities, and lasting for one, or two and even three weeks. During Father Kavanagh's presidency, as related elsewhere, this house was made headquarters for a band of missionaries, whose forces were augmented on special occasions by members from the teaching Faculty, although such assistance could be given only rarely, in seasons when our regular class work was suspended, as in the short vacations around Christmas or Easter.
In Niagara's earliest days the "Ryans " were famous for their activity and success in this special field. They were Father Stephen Vincent, afterwards Bishop of Buffalo; Father William, his brother ; and Father Abram Ryan, known now the world over as the " poet of the South." This gifted priest was a member of Niagara's Faculty as early as 1858, and although at that time he was com- paratively young in age, and very young in appearance, his elo- quence, his wonderful command of language, soon won for him an abiding reputation as a preacher.
Father McHale, while President, conducted missions in person on several occasions, and Father Likly, his successor, has been in the field frequently since his appointment as our Superior. In stringent emergencies, such as are to be expected where men fall sick, or are already engaged, members of our Faculty have been sent out on " hurry calls " to the relief of some band or other belonging to this house, or to Germantown, or to Springfield. It happens at times that our missionary brethren are working in our vicinity, and call upon us to aid them with confessions. We take the train after our classes, gladly " give a lift," and return to our duties, satisfied that we have been able, though only in a hidden capacity, to help along a great movement for the rescue of souls.
A kindred work, that of conducting retreats, has likewise been carried on from the beginning by the priests stationed at Niagara. As soon as vacation begins many of the Faculty receive, as part of their " relaxation " from college duties, the commission to give two and sometimes more retreats to lay communities throughout the coun- try. Diocesan retreats have been given frequently by members of
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our Faculty, while shorter spiritual exercises, like triduums, are very common among the occupations which engage our attention during the summer vacation.
With such a record it is only natural that there should be a band of missionaries with Niagara as their headquarters, and that they should find ample opportunity for the exercise of their zeal. As a matter of fact the present band, consisting of Fathers Kennedy, Piper, and Farrell, although they were assigned here only last fall, have been kept busy since their arrival, and have engagements booked for a year in advance.
The leader of our missionaries is Father James F. Kennedy, C. M., of whom we have written in our notices of the Faculty under Father McHale. One of his assistants is Father Piper, C. M., Hulett Piper, of our study hall from 1885-1889, when he left us for Ger- mantown, and, after the usual course of studies followed there by our clerics, was ordained priest in 1897. After having been in charge of our Apostolic School in Germantown, he was sent here in 1898 as Prefect of our study hall, remaining in that office until the close of studies in the following June, when he was transferred to another mission. Later on he rejoined Niagara's Faculty as teacher of languages and mathematics, remaining with us about two years. When our mission house at Springfield, Mass., was opened he was one of the first to be sent there, and after about two years' service at that place he was transferred to Niagara, where, as just stated, he is engaged on our local missionary band. Father Piper is a native of Niagara Falls, N. Y .; born there in 1874.
Father Edward M. Farrell, C. M., our third missionary, was born at West Point, N. Y., March 27, 1870. He entered our Apostolic School in 1885, joined our Congregation in 1890, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1896. His first mission was to Saint John's Col- lege, Brooklyn, where he remained only a few months, owing to his poor health. He was then sent to Niagara, where he has continued since that time, a period of twelve years. The first office which he held at Niagara was that of second assistant Prefect to Father Ken- nedy, during the last year of the latter's control of our study hall. Father Farrell's ability in commercial matters was soon recognized, and he received charge of that department in our curriculum. He taught telegraphy and typewriting, acting also as assistant Treas- urer for six years.
Through his energy in collecting old bills due to Niagara,
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REV. J. F. MAYE, C. M.
REV. J. T. LYNCH, C. M.
REV. J. J. CORCORAN, C. M. Prefect of Studies
REV. E. J. WALSH, C. M.
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some of them dating almost from the foundation of our insti- tution, Father Farrell was able to provide an $800 organ for our Alumni Chapel. After the total destruction of that building he undertook the collection of more old bills, and was again most suc- cessful. The present grand organ in our chapel, together with the new pews, stained glass windows, altar and furnishings, were sup- plied by him through his collecting of forlorn debts, and through other financial schemes devised by him and indorsed by his Superiors.
Our second Professor of philosophy in the seminary department is Rev. John F. Maye, C. M., who was born in Philadelphia, April 26, 1870. He made his preparatory studies in the high school of that city, and his classics at "Gentilly," a name given to our now Apostolic School in the early "70's. He entered our Congregation in 1890, was ordained six years later, and was then sent to our Inter- national House at Rome for a post graduate course of two years in philosophy and theology. After his return from the Eternal City he was kept at our Mother House as a professor until the opening of studies in 1900, when he was missioned to Niagara as a teacher of languages and the higher mathematics. Last September he was ap- pointed to his present position as Professor of one of our classes in mental philosophy.
For the past six years Father Maye has been censor of the R. E. V. R. Literary Society, and has shown such interest in its wel- fare that the organization is a model one in point of accom- modations, library, dramatic and other performances within its legiti- mate scope.
Our Professor of first rhetoric is Rev. John T. Lynch, C. M., born in Cleveland, Ohio, April 30, 1875. He made his preparatory studies at our College of Saint John in Brooklyn, joined our Con- gregation in 1891, was ordained in May, 1898, and the following September was sent here to teach mathematics and languages. Niagara is his first and, so far, his only mission.
In the senior department Father Lynch is Professor of English literature, while in the collegiate department, besides first rhetoric with its accompanying branches, he teaches also advanced algebra.
In the summer of 1903, Father Lynch went as chaplain on a pil- grimage to Rome, and while there enjoyed a most unique experience. We quote from a foot-note on page 195 in the "Life of Pope Pius X.," issued by Benziger Brothers in 1904: "The pilgrimage con- ducted by John J. McGrane, of New York, and Father Lynch,
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C. M., of Niagara University, which left the United States on its journey to receive the blessing of Leo XIII., arrived at Rome while the Conclave (for the election of his successor) was sitting. On the day of the election of Pius X., Cardinal Gibbons was asked to try to arrange for the reception of the Americans, as the time of their stay was up. The Cardinal promised to do his best, at the same time explaining how unprecedented it would be for a Pope, the day after his election, to receive a foreign pilgrimage, when there were scores of high dignitaries who had not yet been admitted, including even the diplomatic body.
" Nevertheless, the Pope consented to receive the pilgrims. Their luggage was hastily brought back from the station, in order that they might appear in proper apparel. The pilgrims, who numbered about a hundred, waited in the Hall of Inscriptions, which the Pope entered. He walked slowly down the long, kneeling line, accompanied by Cardinal Gibbons and Monsignor Kennedy, rector of the American College, giving to each of the pilgrims as he passed his hand to be kissed. He spoke a few words to almost every one.
"Pope Pius X. appeared to be much interested when Father Lynch presented him a box containing a white zucchetto, saying: ' We would be extremely gratified if your Holiness would accept this gift in exchange for the one you wear. ' ' I will cheerfully do so, ' the Pope replied immediately. Thereupon Monsignor Bisletti lifted the zucchetto which the Pope wore, from his head; and replaced it with the one which had been presented by Father Lynch.
"Later, the Holy Father (pleased, perhaps, and amused by the filial boldness of our confrere) said to a representative of the As- sociated Press, who was received in audience: 'I love the Americans, who are the blooming youth of Catholicism. Convey to all of them how gladly I impart my apostolic blessing to the whole country.'"
Rev. John Joseph Corcoran, C. M., was born in Watertown, Mass., January 24, 1872. His education was obtained at Boston Col- lege, and at our Apostolic School in Germantown, Pa., of which he was an inmate for three years. He entered our novi- tiate in 1892, and was ordained priest six years later, and was then made Prefect of our Apostolic School, remaining in that office for two years. At the expiration of that time he was sent to Niagara as Professor of languages and mathematics. He held the office of second Prefect for a year and a half, was first Prefect last year, and has been Prefect of studies since 1903. He is in charge
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of the Sodality, and is likewise acting as assistant Treasurer of the University.
Niagara's Treasurer last year and this is Rev. John J. Maher, C. M., born in Germantown, Pa., October 8, 1874. He entered the Congregation, May 24, 1893, was ordained, June 19, 1900, and was sent to Niagara at the opening of studies that year to teach in the ac- ademic and collegiate departments. He also taught church history and physics in the seminary department. After an absence of one year, during which he was Prefect of our Apostolic School in German- town, he returned to Niagara as Professor in the departments just mentioned. In September, 1904, he was made Treasurer of the Uni- versity, a post which he occupies at present. Besides the office of Treasurer, he holds that of Librarian, and that of Censor of our athletic organization.
The Professor of second rhetoric in the college department, of Church history and homiletics in the senior house, is Rev. Edward J. Walsh, C. M. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 18, 1877, made his early studies in the parochial school of Saint John the Baptist's Church in his native city, spent two years and a half in our college at Brooklyn, and the same amount of time at our Apostolic School in Germantown. He was admitted to our novitiate in 1894, received priesthood on the 7th of November, 1901, and was then as- signed as a Professor to our Apostolic School, where he taught for two years. He came here in September, 1903, remaining until the present time.
Father Walsh is Censor of the S. O. L. A. Literary Society, and also of the lately organized Seminarians' Glee Club. The latter made its first appearance on Saint Thomas Day, March 7th, and its ren- ditions helped most admirably to enliven the programme on that occasion. On the 28th of May the members gave a sacred concert which was pronounced by those of long residence at Niagara the most charming entertainment of its kind in very many years.
Organization and decay are conditions visible at Niagara as well as in the larger circles of man's activity. Societies are formed, are supported with enthusiasm for a while, and then they begin to show signs of needed repairs. If no energetic character takes them in hand, they lapse out of sight, perhaps for years, but they are certain to be revived in some form or other, so that a movement of the kind once begun, continues with more or less emphasis ever after. The present Glee Club in the senior department has its numerous pre-
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decessors, the first one dating quite from the foundation of our house. It is only another instance in which the traditions of Niagara are kept up, and although now and again something announced as new may be put upon our programmes, we may say with Solomon that there is nothing new under the sun. The present members of the Glee Club are thoroughly aware that they have not created a novelty, but have simply revived a somewhat neglected but most delighful form of entertainment.
Rev. Charles H. Sedgwick, C. M., D. D., Professor of English, Latin, and French, was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 1876. He came as a student to Niagara in 1892, remaining here for two years, the second of which was spent in our seminary department. He joined our Congregation in 1894, and, after spending four years of study in Germantown, he was sent to Rome to continue at our International House in that city. He attended the lectures given at the Roman College or the Gregorian University. He received the degree of Ph. D. from the Academy of St. Thomas, the degree of D. D. and that of Bachelor of Canon Law from the Gregorian University. In the meantime he was ordained priest at our Mother House in Paris, August 15, 1900. He spent altogether four years at Rome, return- ing to the United States in 1902. He remained for two years at Saint Vincent's Seminary, Germantown, teaching, and having charge of an Italian congregation. He has been a Professor at his Alma Mater for the past two years.
Rev. Carroll S. Rosensteel, C. M., is a native of Baltimore, Md .; born there December 28, 1877. After some preparatory studies at Loyola College, he came to our Apostolic School, continuing there for about three years, when he entered our novitiate, 1896. After his ordination in 1903, he was sent to Brooklyn, where he remained for two years, and was then transferred to Niagara, where he is en- gaged as Professor of languages and mathematics. Father Rosen- steel gave a very pleasant surprise to the inmates of Niagara a few months ago, when he produced on our local stage, and later at the International Theater, Niagara Falls, his own adaptation of George Ade's "College Widow," having obtained the requisite permission from that noted playwright. Of course, he altered the title.
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Our first Prefect is Rev. James C. Chesnut, C. M., also a native of Baltimore, Md. He was born September 22, 1877, made his classical studies at our Apostolic School, entered our novitiate in 1896, and was ordained in May, 1904. He was kept in Germantown
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REV. C. H. SEDGWICK, C. M., D. D.
REV. C. S. ROSENSTEEL, C. M.
REV. J. C. CHESNUT, C. M. Prefect of Discipline
REV. J. H. CARMAN. C. M. Assistant Prefect of Discipline
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until March of the year following, when he was sent to Niagara as assistant Prefect to Father Corcoran. The priest whom he replaced was Rev. Joseph A. Deegan, C. M., now of the Faculty in Saint John's College, Brooklyn. Father Deegan gave great satisfaction as assistant Prefect during his short stay at Niagara, from Septem- ber to March. He was a good Professor, a pleasant companion, and an ardent promoter of athletics, his own splendid physique arguing much in favor of those out-door sports which have been always such a prominent factor in the development of Niagara muscle.
Father Chesnut, though lacking a few inches of his reverend predecessor's height (6 ft. 4 in.), and perhaps a pound or two of his weight, is a fine specimen of prefectorial development. We would not have it inferred, however, that we gauge the efficiency of a Pre- fect by his avoirdupois, although our memory cannot escape recalling at least three reverend custodians of the study hall who were at once tall, powerful men, and most successful in maintaining discipline -. Fathers P. V. Kavanagh, Bart. Driscoll, and Brian Burke.
Father Chesnut became first Prefect at the opening of the present scholastic year. In addition to the office which he exercises, he is Professor of chemistry and Latin, and also General Manager of the athletic association.
Father Chesnut's assistant is Rev. John H. Carman, C. M., born in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 17, 1879. He made his classical course at our Apostolic School, entered our Community, January 25, 1898, was ordained, May 31, 1905, and was sent to Niagara as his first mission last September. He is Professor of languages and mathematics, and holds the position of honorable censor of the S. O. L. A. Literary Society. He is devoted to his work of teaching, and fulfills the import of the name, " assistant Prefect," by reason of his fidelity to the not always pleasant tasks connected with that office.
With the record of Father Carman, the " Benjamin " of our Faculty, we close our personal accounts of those who hold the places occupied by Niagara's priestly pioneers fifty years ago. We have told of their labors and of those who followed them year after year down to our own times. We may have been laudatores temporis acti, but how could we escape altogether from such a pardonable fault, seeing the heroic characters with which we had to deal ?
We have told, and, we trust, without garnish, what we ourselves have been doing since our advent to the shrine of Our Lady of Angels. But our work as local historians would be far from com-
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