East High School - Redjacket Yearbook (Pawtucket, RI)

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Reverend Terence L. Connolly, S. J. TF the prophet of the Class of 1907 had JL really been able to gaze into the future, he would have foreseen that his own actual accomplishments would be more noteworthy than any he predicted for his classmates. For the Pawtucket High School prophet of that year is now Father Terence L. Connolly, S.J.. whose work in teaching, lecturing, and criticism has made him eminent in each of these fields. Father Connolly was born in North Attleboro. Massachusetts, on September 26. 1888. and received his early education at Grove Street Grammar School. At Pawtucket High School Terry endeared himself to his classmates by his friendliness, his happy disposition, and his lively sense of humor. Here he was not only a leader in class activities, but a remarkably keen student, who excited the admiration of his classmates by excelling in the study of Greek, which he had elected in addition to the regular classical course. From his early boyhood Terry's ambition was to become a priest. In 1908 he took his first step toward that goal by entering the Jesuit Novitiate of St. Andrews-on-the-Hudson. where he studied for four years. After a long period devoted to studying and teaching at Woodstock College. Fordham University, and Georgetown University, he was ordained priest in the Society of Jesus. In the same year, 1922. he obtained an A.B. degree from Woodstock College, followed two years later by an A.M. For the past ten years he has been identified with the Graduate School of Boston College, where he is now professor of English and head of the English Department. In addition to his work at the college, he has found time for writing, traveling and lecturing. Upon completing the prescribed courses in philosophy, science, and theology. Father Connolly continued his research in his chosen field of English literature. Influenced by his religious feeling and a deep interest in poetry, he began a study of the great religious poet. Francis Thompson—a study which won him a Ph.D. degree from Fordham in 1930 and which has led to some of his most rewarding achievements as a critic and book-lover. Tangible evidence of Father Connolly's broad interests and deep scholarship may be found in a list of his publications, since they include translations from Latin, commentaries on Chaucer, and studies of modern religious poets. Various periodicals, particularly “America” and “Thought , often contain articles from his pen. Among his publications are the following: “An Introduction to Chaucer and Langland”; “The Poems of Francis Thompson , with notes and commentary; and a noteworthy translation from Latin. “St. Bernard on the Love of God”. Father Connolly’s travels in England and Ireland have been chiefly literary expeditions. His time in Dublin was spent in acquiring first-hand information about the Irish drama, a favorite subject of his studies and lectures. Even more gratifying was his visit to London, for there, as the guest of Wilfrid Meynell. Thompson’s best friend, he had access to all of the poet’s material and on his departure was presented with many highly-prized books and manuscripts. Returning home, he was able to make valuable additions to the fine collection of Thompsoniana which he had gathered at Boston College. In its beautiful setting in the college library this matchless collection not only delights' admirers of Thompson, but bears testimony to the enterprise and fine scholarship of its founder. To audiences throughout the country Father Connolly’s lectures on Francis Thompson and other poets have given a keen appreciation of the spiritual power of fine poetry. Pawtucket High School students of a few years ago remember him as an ideal assembly speaker, for while they were delighted with his engaging manner and sense of humor, they were also inspired by his forcefulness and idealism as a leader. The Class of 1940 takes pride in honoring a graduate whose achievements as a scholar and an educator have brought honor to the school. Esther Beret ta

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 R. BRAGA A. SAVICKAS