Siena College - Saga Yearbook (Loudonville, NY)

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literary or linguistic studies. For the zheavens show forth the glory of God, and the Ermae ment declareth the work of His handsf 7' The Franciscan Fathers have shown themselves persistent and indefatigable workers, and the grace of God has surely been with them in this new chapter of their everlasting effort to spread Christian morale ity and education throughout the world, and into the hearts and minds of all mankind. First Half, Siena H2111, September, 1938 B uilding nears completion, September, 1939 After the columns and dome had been iinished the metamorphosis was complete writing, of thinking and speaking, shall be raised the framework of the natural and mathematical sciences. For Nature is the house in which we live, and every man who claims to be educated should be thoroughly instructed in the chemical constituents, the physical laws and the biological forces of the universe. It is poor judgment to relegate the natural sciences to the background in the Liberal Arts curriculum. W ith pr0per distri- bution, scientiEc studies are no less essential to real cultural training than the purely 12.

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First Faculty Wm FHAN CISCANS The Order of Friars Minor dates its in stitution from the year 1209, when Francis, the son of a rich merchant of Assisi, haying renounced his inheritance for the love of Christ and reduced himself to poverty, gathered around him several companions. These men, like himself, usold all that they had and gave it to the poor. When their number reached twelve it became necessary that he write a Rule, which was approved by the Pope. The Friars' View was primarily spiritual, embracing poverty because Christ was poor. They did not in tend to reform society but this came as a consequence, not as a conscious motive. St. Francis sent members of his little band out,- 7 utwo by two, , as the Apostles had travelled. 1+ Everywhere in Europe the faith was strengtha ened by the Franciscan Spirit. The history of the Franciscans during the first few centuries of their existence is truly the history of Christianity. There was no movement of vital interest during that period in which they had no part. Theology, poli- tics, art and the social condition of the people, all in some measure were touched by their influence. However, their missionary labors were not their only activity. The Sons of Francis were in the forefront of the intellectual de- velopment in the medieval universities. St. Bonaventure, Alexander of Hales, Roger Bacon and Duns Scotus were among those who led the way. They stood for SClCDl'ii'lC