The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-10-07

graduates came from all parts of the
world to assist in celebrating its first
---eompEet6d century. The Visitation con-
rent in st. Paul is a branch of this con-
rent. and it has already seen a quarter
Of a century roll over its head. 1t is an
interesting coincidence that there is at
present studying in the Visitation con-
rent in St Paul a. young woman whose
great-grandmother was one of the first
graduates of the Georgetown convent.
Although convent schools have been in
existence in this country for q century
past, outside of Catholic circles many
persons are imbued with a wrong idea
concerning the instruction received at
such institutions. it is thought that
considerably more time is devoted to re-
Hgious instruction than to secular train
Ing and that prayers take the place of
some Of the studies which are deemed es-
Bential to the proper training of the youth
of today. That such opinion is err
roneous the thousands of convent graGu-
Rtes who are to be found occupying all
positions in hfe testify, and while the
greatest soiicitude of the Instructors in
the converts is to engrave upon the
minds of the children under their charge.
strong religious principles as the founda-
ton for upright and noble character.
mental culture is not neglected.
NCN-CATHOIICS ATTEND.
Neither are all the pupils in the con-
vents of the Catholic faith, for those OF
Dther denominations are admitted and as
a matter of fact non-Cathofics are to be
found every year among the students of
the Catholic institutions. But never is
there any undue influence exercised over
those OF different persuasions, although
for the sake of good discipline all the
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religious exercises. With few exceptions
the course of study followed at the vari-
Gus converts is similar in every respect,
with the addition of Christian doctrine.
to that pursued by the pupils of none
AFOREMENTIONED institutions of like grade.
Although, as has already been stated,
mental training at the convent school diff
fers from that of the secular institution
principally by the addition of q course
in Christian doctrine, it is claimed that
there is a marked difference in results
between the education received by the
convent student and her contemporary
in the on-demoninational academy. The
thorough and capable teaching of the
religious instructions is reinforced by the
Influence of their lives devoted to foster
ing the metal and moral growth of their
young charges not alone from love Of the
work but from the higher motive of love
of God, to whose service they have con.
Eecrated themselves and their efforts. II
Is said. and not without reason, that the
convent girl is generally to. be identified
I'm whatever walk of life her career af.
ter convent days have ended may lead
her The training of the heart and the
nnind goes hand In hand. Gentleness and
forbearance toward one another, regard
only for that which is true and essential
respect for Superiors and reverence fol
eacred things are taught by those whose
daily lives give testimony that they prac
tice what they preach.
The requirement of the culture and re
hnement that Is commonly supposed t.
he associated with scholarly attainment
and the cultivation Of those qualities o.
mind and heart which have ever dis
tinguisEed the womanly woman, the mod
]el of her sex, is the object of the teach
ing In the convent schools. Intellectual
aty and the requirement Of knowledge
with a lack Of womanly grace are no
commended, and while Kingley's injunc
tIon, 4'Be good, sweet maid. and let win
will be clever" Is not exactly the mott
set up for the guidance of the conven
maid. she is taught that goodness is a
essential If no superior to cleverness.
AT the Convent of the Visitation, da,
pupils, as well as boarders, are accom-
anodated The curriculum IS the sam
and the advantages of convent trainin
are thus placed within the reach o
many girls whose parents Or guardian