Elms College - Elmata Yearbook (Chicopee, MA)

Page 17 text:

In understanding the trials of student life and strife, Father Burke becomes the pleasant and devoted advisor of all Elmites. Not only does he capture the spirit of teach- ing and learning, but he Imparts both with ease, to make them a part of everyday liv- ing. He Is Interested In us spiritually; he Is interested In us academically. No more sincere devotee of Christ will ever be found so enthusiastically alive with smiles. It Is through such sincere Inter- est in the Interests of Elmites that students and priest faculty are united. Such unity Is oft displayed on occasions such as Cap and Gown Sunday when priests join students In Rev. Joseph A. Burke rejoicing over triumphs and accom- plishments so Important to a college career.

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Religion Ten years of life have been devoted +o the promotion and perfection of religion on this campus by Father Pierce. Of all the practical courses taught, undoubtedly Father ' s Marriage Guidance Is the most popular. Not only Is the material well- covered within the classroom, but Its matter frequently provokes stimulating discussions. Enthusiastically, projects are pursued, es- pecially the making of one loaf of bread. Although the results truly vary In degree of perfection, the purpose Is always achieved. Interest Is awakened In this phase of married life. Father expounds his energies not only In the classroom, but In the smoker as well. With rare Insight Into the nature of things (Elmites Included) our chaplain congenially Rev. Thomas B. Pierce philosophizes over the card table, chess board, and ping pong table. Appreciative of all college activities. Father readily In- creases the support of each student to all activities and fosters a more lasting bond of loyalty to the Elms. Father Pierce ' s every deed reflects the motivating factor of his existence Truth. For it is the Truth that makes men free. 12

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Philosophy A correct philosophy Is a requisite to a proper way of life. Catholic philosophy Is not a purely speculative science. It Is sonnething for every Catholic to know; It Is something for every Catholic to live. Philosophy asks about the nature of man, his proper role In the world and the ways In which he can fulfill his nature. Through logic, metaphysics and ethics, the Catholic Col- lege student arrives at the answers to these questions. That we Elmites may be proficient In the field of philosophy, we are exposed for three years to Thomistic philosophy under the guidance of Fathers Stafford and Vlau — both strict adherers to Saint Thomas. Father Stafford, with keen mind and boyish manner. Is able to testify to the fact that the feminine mind Is capable of absorb- ing philosophy. An Informal atmosphere Is Rev. Robert H. Stafford Rev. Roger L. Viau an essential part of the class, and everyone feels as though philosophy has an Important place In her life. Father Stafford makes his class realize that Metaphysics Is not just the name of a course, but a vital guide to living the Catholic Faith. Father Vlau, who has been with us only a year, has already captured our hearts completely. The old man , as he calls him- self, has given us main points of ethics In a series of classes as Informal as an Interesting conversation, yet as exacting as the syl- logisms he Introduces. Father Includes the various parts of the human act, and person- alizes ethics with his enjoyable stories and complete attention to any matter brought up In class. His spontaneous wit and easy humor have made him and moral philosophy, a part of the curriculum, the faculty and minds of the students.