Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-09-24
MONSIGNOR Nc MAHON
Pope Leo Honors the Generous Benefaotor
of the University.
The Founder of the Hall of Philoso-
ply II Created . Prelate
OF the Holy See.

ss prelate Of the holy see, with the title
Of monsignor The papal legate was ac-
companied by his secretary, Monsignor
Papi, and the ceremony was conducted in
the presence Of Bishop Keane, DR.. O'Gor-
man and many Of the professors. The
venerable priest was much overcome at
the recognition. and was especially affected
by the letter from the pope which accom-
panied the distinction conferred upon him.
The epistle stated that the pope recognized
whatever was done for the universsty in
the light of a personal favor to himself
and appreciated it as such and expressed
the hope that the recognition of Father
McMahon's services in this direction might
encourage others to do likewise.
Father Mcmahon is one of the oldest
priests In this country, being eighty years
of age, and having taken his vows nearly
present fortune being estimated at a mil
lion dollars, and has been warmly inter-
ested in the university ever since its con-
ception. having resided there from the
church in New York before coming to the
District This gift to the university which
the pope has so signally recognized Is the
building which is to be known as the
Mcmahon Hall of Philosophy. With the
exception of ornamental carving the ex-
terror Of the structure is finished, while
only the flooring and wainscoting remain
to be completed on the inside.
II II a ittSS'NC anu Imposing puit
of Maryland granite. with carved trim
mings of the same stone. The center Is
four stories and the side wings three stor-
les in height, the length Of the building
being go feet and it's depth 100. The cost
will be between 1854, 600 and 100000.
Bishop Keane talked freely about bis re-
cent interviews with Pope Leo and said
that the papal desire for harmony between
democracy and science is fully shown in
America ty the papal legation and the
Catholic University. The legation signifies
mis- desire for the union of the church with
the democracy of the future, and the uni
versity his desire for the combination of the
church and science: the two, he believes,
will advance together. 1t is these two pro-
jects, the appointment of Archbishop Sa-
tolli and the establishment of the univer-
sty, which he regards as the chief glorieS
of his pontifcate. In Archbishop Satolli
ne believes he has found a man who has
in him the same principles embodied as
those of the pope himself. and that the ad-
vanced ideas of Leo will be carried in
to execution by the papal ablegate. The
legation was established with a view of
showing the interest Of the pope in the
church in this country and as an honor
to it. 1t is not, as has been represented,
that the ALLOCATE is to take the place of
the pope in this country, but is the estab-
lishment Of a court of appeals for Ameri-
ca, of which the ablegate shall be the chief
justice. There is intended no conflict with
the authority of the bishops. and the court
will dea, with affairs of national impor-
lance. Archbishop Satolli has the power
to associate with him in trying cases any
bishops he pieases.
At present his offices are largely those of
mediation, and bishops, priests and other
parties have the right to carry a case to
Rome. Bishop Keane says the pope believes
in order and discipline. and that while no
authoritative statement of plans can be
n ade. yet the general purposes of the pope
are to fully cover, in a coming encyclical
letter. a proper enlargement Of the dignity
of the American ALLOCATE.
Concerning the permanency Of Monsignor
Satolli in America, Bishop keane says the
pope Is thoroughly pleased with the able
gates work here, as he shares in every
particular the personal views Of the pope on
the great church and national questions
His recall would only be in order to confer
added dignities on him, and his successor
would share Monsignor Satollfs views in
every particular on the questions of policy.
1t would be SO difficult, however, for an
other ALLOCATE to be chosen who SO nearly
reflects Pope Leo's desires that Bishop
Keane regards Monsignor Satolli as a per-
manency.
Bishop Keane was asked If the raising
of the dignity and authority of Monsignor
Satollis mission was likely to be brought
about by creating the ALLOCATE a cardinal,
and replied that 1t was settled beyond Ques-
ton that Monsignor Satolh will be made a
cardinal.
Bishop Keane said that he had read with
great regret an article by Bishop Spalding
cribing the growth of the A. P. A. move
ment to the discomfort over the appoint
ment Of Monsignor Satolli as ALLOCATE in
this country. The bishop said he had in
formed the pope in response to inquiries
that the A. P. A. movement was a passing
expression Of bigotry, and was no longer
effective. Under these circumstances Bishop
Spalding's article was unfortunate and Ill
timed, and would be painful to Monsignor
Satolli. Cardinal Gibbons had expressed to
the bishop similar regret at the statements
Bishop Keane says the parochial school
question is closed at Rome, and Archbishop
.Irelands position has been thoroughly
upheld.
Regarding the university Bishop Keane
said:
The pope expressed himself as delighted
with the divinity teaching which was car
ried on during the past year. but is espe-
cially pleased that the university will be
able to open Mcmahon Hall a year from
next october, as this means the grouping
together of natural and supernatural learn
ing.
Bishop Keane said the pope listened with
close attention to the details of the organi-
cation of the new faculty and of the con-
tempiated school of law and the pursuance
or sociological studies in the new hail. While
Bishop keane was in Europe he made some
selections for the new faculty and ap-
preached others on the subject The au-
thoritles nave no doubt of their ability to
open the hall at the appointed time but
there is much work to be done in the way
OF raising money TO endow professorships.
B1shop Keane is highly encouraged, how
ever, as he believes the honor conferred
upon Father Mcmahon in recognition of
nls gl1t and the statement by Pope Leo
that lie considered what was done for the
university to be personal favor will have
a stimulating effect.
The University to Omen Tomorrou
Inc Catholic University of America will
reopen for the return of students tomor-
row. The first days of the new year will
De spent in spiritual retreat, beginning
tuesday evening and closing Sunday MORN
ing. The exercises will be conducted by
the passionist father, Fidelis Kent Stone
On Monday. October l, the opening will
take place. preceded by mass, offered up in
the presence of the faculty and students, by
the rector, Bishop j. j. Keane, followed by
an address by the rector, Introducing the
course of studies TO be pursued by students
during the coming year. The theological
branches at present taught in the uniyer-
sity are divided into four sections-biblical
sciences, dogmatic and philosophical sci
ences, moral sciences, history and patrol
ogy. Under these headings are also in
Guided certain departments of science
which, though they properly belong to the
faculty of philosophy, are of advantage to
the students of theology. Besides the reg
ular courses by the professors of the facul-
ty, other supplementary COIIrSeS will no