Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-13
POPE ORDERS CHANGES
MGR. o'CoNNELL TO BE RECTOR
AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY.
Institution Placed Under New Juris-
diction-Dr. Conaty to Be Bishop
Of Buffalo.

II mas Deen announced from rome tlda
Mgr. Dennis O'Connell has been appointed
by the pope as rector of the Catholic Uni
versity Of America to succeed Bishop Coma
ty. 1t is also stated that hereafter that in
stitution will be under the jurisdiction OF
the congregation Of studies. which Is pre-
sided over by Cardinal Satolli The briefs
pope yesterday.
Heretofore the Catholic University has
been under the congregation Of the propa-
ganda. a mission jurisdiction. the United
States being classified as missionary
country. The transferring Of the institu-
ton to the Jurisdiction of the congregation
OF studies and the appointment Of Mgr
O'Connell as rector. Is regarded as an in.
dication that the American policy Of admin
istration for the institution will be con-
tinued. Four cardinals compose the con-
gregation Of studies. Cardinal Satolli, who
was formerly papal ablegate to this city,
being at the head Of the body.
The congregation Of studies exercises au-
thority over the Catholic universities of
Europe and the world. while the congrega-
ton of the propaganda has jurisdiction of
universities and other educational institu-
tons In mission countries. BY placing the
university under the authority Of the for
mer body 1t Is thought that the institution
Is to be conducted along the liberal lines
laid down by Archbishops Ireland and
keane. 1t Is also considered by many
Catholics here that the change is one of
honor and dignity, and that 1t in effect
elevates the character of the university and
places 1t on the more substantial and i'm
pressive foundation Of the older universities
of the world.
The New Rector.
The new rector Of the Catholic University
OF America, the Right Rev. Mgr. Dennis
OConnell. was born in Columbia, 8. c., in
1901. He became acquainted with Cardinal
Gibbons when he was still boy, the cardi-
nal at that time being vicar apostolic Of
North Carolina. AS a student of Cardinal
Gibbons he entered ST. Charles College, Ell
Hcott City. and studied for the priesthood
Mgr OConnell was regarded as a brilliant
student, and when he finished his course at
st. Charles College the cardinal. who had
become bishop of Richmond, sent him to
the American College at Rome to study for
the diocese of Richmond He finished the
course In 1877 and obtained the dOctorate in
theology by passing what is still talked Of
IN Rome as a remarkable examination. I'M
med1ately after his ordination he travelled
through this country with Mgr. Conroy
who was sent here as an extraordinary
apostolic delegate, and Dr. OConnell acted
as his secretary.
He then entered upon the practical work
OF the ministry in the diocese of Richmond,
serving for time at the cathedral in that
city, and afterward as pastor at Winches-
ter, Va.
When the third plenary council was con-
voked in 1883 DR.. O'Connell was chosen one
OF Its secretaries. At the conclusion of the
council he was sent to Rome with it's de-
gree to obtain for them the appreciation of
the holy see.
1t was while Dr. O'Connell was In Rome
on the mission for the council that he was
appointed rector Of the American College in
1885, to succeed the Right Rev. Hotlot,
whose death occurred year before. The
American College under DR.. O'Connelrs adj
ministration Of ten years, it is said. made
rapid strides, and when he resigned in 1895
1t was in such condition that its perma-
nence was established.
Becomes Domestic Prelate.
During his rectorship Mgr O'Connell was
made domestic prelate of the pope, whose
confidence and personal friendship he en-
joyed in an unusual manner. Since his res
ignation Of the rectorship Mgr. O'Connell
has lived abroad, mostly in Rome, devoting
himself to studies in archaeology, and ss
pastor of the Church Of Santa Maria, across
the Tiber.
He has during this period. as well as be-
fore. given special attention to the social,
economical and political problems Of the
times. His wide acquaintance and intimate
intercourse with all the leading thinkers of
the world have made of him an undoubted
authority on those matters.
The new rector, 1t is stated Is in thor
ough sympathy with the so-called Ameri-
can policy with regard to Catholic institu-
lions in this country. While in Washington
for several years he became quite well
known locally and has a large circle Of
friends and acquaintances here. The ap-
pointment Of DR.. O'Connell seems to meet
with considerable favor with Catholics in
the United States
Bishop Conaty, 1T Is stated, will likely be
made bishop of Buffalo, to succeed Bishop
Quigley. He Is regarded as a man Of high
character and scholarly attainments. His
transfer has been anticipated for several
bilities involved in conducting the affairs
Of the university were uncongenial to him.