The San Francisco call., 1909-07-04


now famous encyclical on modernism
foreshadowed the approaching estab-
lishment OF new international insti-
tuition to promote the study of true
science. He has now issued an apostolic
letter, in which he announces the
founding OF the Pontihcal biblical in
stitute at Rome.
He declares it to be his aim that
there may be in the city of Rome a
center for the higher studies relating
10 the sacred books. designed to pro-
mote in the most efflcacious way pos
sible biblical doctrine and all the
studies connected with it.
The first biblical matters to be
treated are those in which the students
are to be prepared for undergoing the
examinations before the Pontihcal bib
iicaI commission already established by
his holiness.
To these shall be added lectures and
exercises in special questions relating
10 the Interpretation, introduction,
archaeology. history. geography. philol-
ogy and other studies appertaining to
the sacred books. In addition there
shall be a methodical and practical sys-
TEN Of training for the students to
render them proficient and praeticed IN
the scientific treatment Of biblical dis
putations. Moreover. to provide for the
needs and utility Of many, there shall
be public conferences on biblical sub
jects.
BIBLICAL LIBRARY
Another very necessary feature is to
be the biblical library, containing the
works, both ancient and modern, neces-
sary or useful for insuring true profit
in biblical studies and for the fruitful
completion Of the studies OF the pro-
fessors and students IN the institute.
- Al sF7Q
museum, or collection of objects which
may appear TO be useful for illustrating
the sacred scriptures and biblical an
tiquities.
The third means shall be a series Of
writings to be promulgated in the name
and by the authority Of the institute,
some Of them dealing with erudite IN
testigations. others composed for the
defense OF Catholic truth concerning
he sacred books. and others designed
10 proDs gate far and wide sound teach
iuz on biblical matters.
The president of the institute is
nominated by the supreme pontih on
tse report Of the general of the Society
OF Jesus. who shall propose TO MN
three candidates for the Office. The or
binary professors are to be nominated
rv tae general of the Society of Jesus,
with the consent of the apostolic see.
The youths engaged in biblical
studies in the institute may belong TO
three classes: Alumni, properly SO
called. auditores, inscribed on the lists,
and free guests, or hospites.
STUDY RULES AND LECTURES
All the alumni are to follow regularly
the course Of studies IN the institute
SO s to prepare themselves for taking
fbe examinations before the Pontihcal
biblical commission. AS auditores may
be inscribed those who have nnlsheo
The fuIl course of philosophy and the
ology. Admission to the lectures shall
be open to other students as Tree
guests.
The library shall contain especially
she works of the holy fathers and other
Catholic interpreters and OF the more
DISTINGUISHED non-Catholic writers on
biblical studies. Special attention shall
be devoted in the formation OF the IL
brary to the principal encyclopedias
and all the more modern perioolcals
concerning biblical matters
II will be seen that the new lnstltute
s,,nnlements and completes, as 1T were'
the work of the Pontif1cal biblical com
mission and prepares students to take
the exceedingly difficult degree OF doc
tor Of sacred scripture, which the COM
mission confers
The maintenance Of the respect due 70
the holy bible. just at the moment
,,-ben the so called higher criticism
seeks to tear it all to shreds and tat
ters.
At the celebration just completed OF
the golden jubilee Of "the American
college of the Roman Catnonc cl.ul --H cil
A +he United States" in Rome there
,s-ere present among the alumni Arch
bfsbon Farley Of New York, BISHOPS
NTcDonneu. Burke and Corrigan and
some IS priests from this country.
krcbbisboO O'Connen of Boston re-
NAMED in Rome for the occasion. ana
Wonsignor Falconio, the apostoac Gel
egate. was present as the guest OIL the
alumni -
o16est New York alumnus, was there,
there was also present Archbishop Sc
ton one Of the original 13 students with
which the college began its work An
c.ber survivor of the original 13 is
Grcbbishop Riordan OF San Francisco,
who could not be present. Bishop
Nfcf,loskev Of Louisville, KY. the first
rector Of the college, was prevented "
advanced age from being present
FROM its original Is students the col
100 has grown in SO years to be the
largest pontffical national college in the
eternal City. and its students have be-
come noted for their success in passing
diflcult examinations and capturing
r,rizes and for their genuine piety and
brilliant intellectual achievements gen.
orally.
mast and present sang the beautiful
HYMN to the Pope" composed by
rather Ganss, ana also the national
bvmr. THE Star Spangled Banner"
There are now some 300 alumni work
ing in this country, and the college has
turned out about 500 priests for this
country during its so years Of exist
ence.
when Plus x instituted his reform
of sacred music and inculcated the
necessity of cu1tivating it the American
college was the first to take up his in
structions. and with such enthusiasm
that the students choir is already
famous in the Eternal City.
Plus X sent his cordial congratula-
tfons and again complimented the stu
dents and faculty upon the high stand
ard maintained by the college, and q
host Of friends everywhere wish the
venerable alma mater heartfelt "ac
mustos amos"
e..-.4...,<. 49,, oov,s,, q