St Francis Xavier Academy - Xavier Yearbook (Providence, RI)

Page 11 text:

THE FRANCESCA OUR RIGHT REVEREND BISHOP. INETEEN years ago, in his own cathedral at Providence, our Right Reverend Bishop was consecrated. That was a joyous day for the Catholics of Rhode and it has proved, in the progress of time, a fortunate day for the entire people of the State. Everywhere, in affairs of civic importance, in public charities and benevolent associa- tions, in unions and societies of various forms and aims, is felt the powerful and certain influence of the high character, the rare gifts and charm, and, especially, the religious views of our learned and amiable prelate. But for us and for our school, during this nineteen years, what has it meant to be under such direction and such patronage? We will try to tell you. A few days after his consecration, the Bishop was given a reception in the old high school of the Academy. Those who were present remember the words in his response to the address ; he said that God, in making him the Bishop of the diocese, had given him a fatherly heart towards the children, and he should regard the pupils of the Academy as peculiarly his, in that .they were the first to welcome him as well as that they represented the oldest Catholic school, within the shadow of the cathedral church. From that day onward the words of the newly-consecrated Bishop were verified: he had become the father, the friend, the benefactor of Saint Xavier’s Academy. There is not a division of the school work and not a department of the Academy which may not speak grateful words to Bishop Harkins. The chemical laboratory, which is as perfectly equipped for one year’s demonstration as that in any college, is entirely his gift; the physics laboratory, with its expensive apparatus and valuable reference library, has been furnished chiefly through his generosity; the general library •counts many volumes of all varieties of subjects which were m Island, 7

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THE FRANCESCA (Bm'litty. The publication of this, our first edition of The Francesca, shows clearly how strenuously and unitedly we have worked in order to produce a book which will be a credit not only to our class, but also to our school. It is the wish of the class of 1906 that other classes may follow their example, and continue to issue a year book. This necessitates that the past graduates, in whose ranks we shall soon be placed, show their interest and approval, thereby encouraging the work. We look with confidence for their support. Our object is to amuse and interest and not to abuse, and much of our energetic work will be marred if we find any one has been offended or taken our innocent little jests too seriously. We have endeavored not to spare expense, energy or time in order to produce a book of a high standard of excellency, both in art and literature, and we trust that our readers will be to our efforts very kind—and also to our faults a little blind. 6 Alice liguoria mcnally.

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THE FRANCESCA bestowed, directly or indirectly, by the Bishop. And so in each department; it is the same report of munificent kindness, of fatherly thought, nearly always forethought. At each commencement exercise the Bishop has presided; he has visited the classes; he has encouraged, advised, and even urged in the way of learning and of goodness. Have we not reason to reverence and love his name? Are we not fortunate indeed to have so rich a blessing as his interest, his devotedness? The Year Book is a very trifling tribute to present in return for unnumbered kindnesses, in response to so much generosity. We cannot say all we would say, but it contents us that our Bishop so far understands our grateful desires as to be willing to honor us with the acceptance of the dedication of this first Year Book ; thus does his revered name become linked in a new way with that of our cherished Alma Mater. Saint Xavier’s Academy is happy in his patronage, and so we are doubly, trebly, favored in being among its pupils. Long may it thrive under so rich a blessing; yea. yea. Ad Multos Atmos! FATHER DOWLING. “ This is a spirit from above, IVbo marshals us our upward way. nHERE is a name we shall always remember with respect and gratitude—that of Reverend Austin A. Dowling. During three years of our high school course at Saint Xavier’s he has given us weekly lectures in the assembly room. The first year subject was the general history of the Church. From his great storehouse of learning. Father Dowling drew forth, week after week, for our interest and delight, a story, clear, full and detailed. The second year, the subject was 8