The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-12-07
SEMINARY HONORS ITS FOUNDER


the principles which are its very life
and SOUL Let now the impartial de-
eide whether Mr.. and Mrs. James J.
Hill builded well or no in erecting, as
an enduring testimonial of their faith
in the higher things of this life and
as living monument of their enlight-
ened patriotism and of their Christian
charity, school for the spiritual
teachers through whom salvation must
Paul, grated upon the majestic oak of
the past, drawing its sap and strength
from rich subsoil centuries old,
thrives we'll in the free and bracing at
mosphere of the American Northwest;
luxurious in it's growth, abundant it's
fruitage. 1t reveres the past, it loves
the present and it believes in the fu-
ture. It is hopeful, but not visionary.
1t does not expect to see the day
when struggle, conflict, competition,
can be eliminated, but it wishes to
see them tempered more and more by
the spirit of Christ. Meanwhile it con-
fidently breaches the Savior's doctrine
of the brotherhood of men, founded on
the universal fatherhood of God, for
it firmly believes that solidarity, CO.
operation and love, not restricted to
one state or nation, but gradually ex-
tended to the whole world as it be-
comes worthy of it, hold the secret of
a social advancement and of social
prosperity which only prophet could
foresee or foretell."
Mr.. Hills Address.
On rising to speak at the close of
the program Mr.. Hill was greeted with
prolonged applause. He expressed his
appreciation of the reception rendered
him by the faculty and students of the
Seminary and praised the work which
it is doing. At no time in the history
of the country, he declared, has there
been greater need of good citizens
than now: at no time a more i'm
perious demand for men who have a
clear conception of their duty to God
and their fellowmen. Such men alone
can lead the people as they should be
led. The leaders most needed in the
world today are those who are con-
scious of the responsibility of teaching
the spirit of Christianity. Christ has
been the light of the world for nine
teen hundred years and how often
have His doctrines saved the world.
Modern education does not prepare
men to assume the burden of respon-
sibility which leadership imposes. Too
often the training in school and col
| lege imparts one-sided views which are
unsound and dangerous. They prove
attractive to the young who are in
need of that direction and advice
! which will form character and make
them worthy members of society.
| He paid a tribute to the Catholic
priesthood by answering the objection
of those who say that Catholic coun-
tries are priest-ridden. This false no.
countries the parish priest is the
friend and counsellor of all his people,
ever ready to settle whatever difficult
ties may arise and to teach them how
to be intelligent and upright citizens.
| He is man of education in whom
they have entire confidence. No life
is more beautiful than his since his
days are passed in doing his duty con-
scientiously. The responsibility that
rests upon him is great, but as long as
he does that faithfully all is we'll
st. Paul Seminary.
The st. Paul Seminary, founded by
Mr.. Hill, was formally dedicated in
September, 1895. On that occasion a
large number of distinguished pre-
lates, clergymen and laymen from all
parts of the country were present to
witness the solemn opening of this
new institution of learning established
in the city of st. Paul. The Seminary
then consisted of five buildings erected
at cost of about two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars. Since then st.
Mary's Chapel, costing seventy thou
sand dollars, was built and solemnly
dedicated on May "a, 1905. Of late
years the growing needs of the Sem
mary required additional room for the
accommodation of the students and at
present third residence building is
approaching completion. It will cost
seventy-five thousand dollars.
The Right Reverend Mgr. Caillet,
| first Rector of the Seminary, died in
November, 1897, and was succeeded by
Rev. P. R. Heffron, now Bishop of
Winona. The present Rector, Very
Rev. Francis Schaefer, D. D., was ap-
pointed in May, 1910.