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THE SKYSCRAPER COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONS St. Philomena Daughter of Light There is a curious tradition, of special interest to students of Munde lein College, in connection with the little Grecian saint whose statue has recently been placed at the head of the main staircase. To some of us she is familiar as St. Philomena, the virgin martyr of the reign of Diocle tian; to some as the patroness of the Curfe of Ars; but to only a few as .1 signal protector of the Community of Sisters in charge of our college. Over a thousand years ago the gal lant little Christian princess braved the terrors of the persecutions and staunchly held her faith in face of death. She was in turn scourged, cast into the Tiber with an anchor about her neck, and finally beheaded; and her statue bears the symbols of her trials. Little was known of her for many centuries. Her relies lay buried in Rome with the valiant army of her fellow sufferers. And then, in 1802, her body was discovered in the most ancient of the catacombs, and the archaeologists declared that the small figure lying beneath the inscription, Pax tecum, Filumcna, was the body of a girl no more than fifteen pears of age. Shortly after this discovery, mar velous miracles wrought through her Intercession won for her the title of Wonderworker of the Nineteenth Century. It was then that the gen tle Cure' of Ars began his communi cations with her in his little rectory in France. It was then that the lovely maiden visited the vast terri tories of America's Middle West to prepare the way for a Sisterhood who would one day come to settle there. At this time there lived in Du buque, Iowa, a man named John Jo- soph Walsh, an exemplary Catholic and a stalwart pioneer. He was a man of fine athletic build, a mer chant and a sportsman, and not in frequently ho slung a rifle over his shoulder, mounted a spirited pony, and rode like the wind over the boundless prairies. On one of these expeditions, Mr. Walsh met a young girl of startling loveliness who declared that she was Philomena, martyr of Christ, and that one day a community of religious would come to Iowa, that they would build a convent on this spot, and that through their means many souls would be brought to God. The maiden pointed out the tract of land which she counseled him to claim and hold until the Sisters should come for it. Years passed and the settlement grew into one of the richest farming districts in the country. The value of the land increased to twice its original cost, but John Walsh re fused to part with his precious tract. He was waiting, the few settlers who knew of his quixotic notion whis pered among themselves, for a Sister hood to come. And the years went by. Meanwhile the zealous Bishop Loras, first prelate of the Dubuque diocese, sought the services of a com munity of teaching religious to carry on the work of education among his flock. Eventually he persuaded the Reverend James J. Donaghoe, co- founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Vir gin Mary, who were then engaged in teaching in Philadelphia, to remove his community to the West. Accord ingly, the congregation was trans planted and a temporary residence was provided for them in Dubuque. The venerable Bishop assisted Father Donaghoe in the selection of a site for the new foundation, and together they rode on horseback across the fertile prairies of eastern Iowa. Having traveled far one day, they stopped to rest beneath a large oak tree from which spot they could see the broad surrounding plain. While they rested, a swarm of bees, appearing with startling suddenness, settled upon Father Donaghoe's hat, For some minutes the two contem plated them in silence, each wonder ing why they clustered about the hat of the priest while ignoring that of the Bishop which lay only a few feet away. It was Father Donaghoe who broke the strange silence, and his words bespoke decision that was final. It is here, he declared, that the convent shall be built. Silently the Bishop acquiesced. An immediate investigation re vealed that the property was in the possession of one John Joseph Walsh, an old inhabitant of the community. ORCHESTRA PLEDGES FORMALLYRECEIVED A novel form of initiation and re ception greeted the orchestra pledges when they assembled in the rehearsal room on seventh floor on Wednesday, March 2. Jane Gramlick, chairman of the meeting, with the assistance of the other executives, passed judgment on the fitness of the new members, Mary Frances Burke, Loraine Cunningham, Anna Marie Erst, Mary Flannery, Ro- setta Hutchison, Eleanor Kucki, Elea nor Nelson, Irene Nugent, Margaret Mary O'Neill, Frances Regan, Theresa Sieben, Vera Tepik, and Sylvia Zam- brana. The climax of the afternoon was the organization of a treasure hunt. The members divided into four groups which, after being given preliminary directions, departed with due excite ment on a hunt that led them any where and almost everywhere from the first to the eighth floor. Harriet St. Clair proved the best detective, for she found the treasure a little silver chest containing the new orchestra pins. The pins, which will form a guard for the Mundelein Cecilian pins, are red and gold, triangular-shaped and bear the monogram MCO. Commerce Club Has News Sheet A departmental news sheet, as well as a short program in the Little The atre, is the latest activity of the Com merce Club. Both the news sheet and the program will be regular monthly features of the department, according to a decision reached at the meeting ou March 2, at which several talented members of the organization per formed, Eleanor Kucki playing a vio lin solo, and Marie Stanton piano solos. Announcement was made at the meeting of the purchase of the Web ster's New International Dictionary, and of a book of commerce plays, the latter for use in the future entertain ments of the club. Tbe first issue of the news sheet con tained the names of the honor students in both the beginning and advanced secretarial classes, as well as other items of interest to the department. The various typing classes will each have an opportunity to edit the sheet and each class must devise its own illustration. GLEE CLUB PUNS SPRING CONCERT Members of the Mundelein College Glee Club are engaged in strenuous rehearsals for their second annual Spring Concert. Under the direction of Professor Otto Singenberger, they are making an intensive study of the songs to be presented, notably a nov elty number, The Naughty Little Clock, which is an accomplishment in rhythmic mimicry and provides sharp contrast to the purely musical selections. In addition to a medieval church chant and a more modern serenade, the Glee Club will offer the incompar able Nutcracker Suite, arranged by Bornschein and composed for three voices. The Glee Club paused in its strenuous labors long enough at the semester to welcome into its midst many pledges and to celebrate the successful com pletion of the first semester's work. ETA PHI ALPHA IN CLASSICAL DEBATE Resolved: That Helen of Troy should be granted immediate inde pendence, declared the chairman of debate in the Eta Phi Alpha meeting, Monday, afternoon, February 29, and forthwith two stalwart Greek warriors took their places ready to convince their Trojan opponents. The debate was planned as a surprise for two members of the Debating Club, Kath erine Brennan and Ruth Tangney, who are also members of Eta Phi Press Club Holds Vocation Meeting In accordance with the spirit of Vocation Week the Mundelein Press Club featured three main aspects of professional journalism for women at the meeting held Tuesday afternoon, March 8, in the Skyscraper office. Before the program, Justine Feely, secretary of the club, was asked by Margaret Roche, chairman, to read the Constitution for the benefit of the pledges and new members. One item of special interest to all members is that after more than two absences from the semi-monthly meetings, the ,, , , , , absentees are automatically dropped Alpha and who took part in the North- j from tne roll The second fourth western-Mundelein debate on the ques- Wednesdays of every month have been Father Donaghoe approached him at once, but, to his intense surprise, Mr. Walsh refused absolutely to part with the land. He volunteered no reason, but stated that under no con ditions was it on the market; he would accept no price. Father Don aghoe was baffled. He was convinced that the coming of the bees had been a distinct sign, an indication that this indeed was the spot intended for the convent, and the holy Bishop shared his conviction. Yet he could not penetrate the owner's staunch refusal. Undaunted, however, he pleaded with the stern pioneer the land would be used to good purpose, the Sisters would foster the faith he prized so dearly in the hearts of his children Mr. Walsh cut short his statement. What Sisters? he de manded. Father Donaghoe explained, and to his astonishment Mr. Walsh's attitude completely changed. His face lighted up. It is for you I have been waiting, he declared, the land is yours. And he told the wonder ing priest the simple story. Through the years he had retained the tract of land, firmly convinced that his trust would be fulfilled. The trans action was speedily accomplished, and in thanksgiving to St. Philome na the first mission of the Congre gation was named in her honor. And so the little saint whose finely- chiseled statue stands within our col lege walls may well rank with the founders of our school. For over a thousand years her name has been a symbol of purity, courage, and holy love. For over a hundred years she has manifested her special protection for the Sisters who built our college. And today, in the newest mission of the Congregation, devotion to the lit tle Grecian princess, and imitation of the virtues that endeared her to girls of a century ago goes on. Philo mena, martyr of Christ, has her own little shrine in our hearts. Art Club Members Turn Cartoonists Aside from the daily routine of class work which keeps the members of the Art Department busy, they manage to find time to make illustrations for the Tower, Quest, the college anthology soon to be published, and the Clepsy dra. The formal initiation for the pledges of the Art Club was held in the fifth floor social rooms on Wednesday, March 9. The pledges were given col ored chalks and mirrors and were di rected to draw cartoons of themselves at their favorite occupations. So re markable were the likenesses that the judges decided to award each a prize chosen previously as being appropriate to the individual. Games and artistic refreshments concluded the program, and the six teen new members took their places permanently on the club roll. The Laetare Players will conduct a scholarship contest for high school graduates, April 29. Appli cations for entry are being received at the School of Speech. tion, Resolved: that India should he granted immediate independence. The speeches in the mock debate were generously sprinkled with Ho meric epithets which provided much amusement, especially for the students who are translating the Iliad. Agamem non and Menelaus, otherwise known as Mary Frances Burke and Justine Feely, upheld the affirmative. Those of the negative team were Hector, repre sented by Beverly Balster, and Paris, by Helen Driscoll. The decision was of the audience-change-of-opinion type, and the audience gravely decided that all things considered, it would be officially designated as the scheduled meeting times. The first vocational suggestion was given by Miss Feely, who summarized the work of the woman political writer. A knowledge of economic his tory and problems, and a flair for poli tics are two of the requisites for this very fascinating work. Bertille Mc Evoy, news editor of the college paper, spoke on The Foreign Corre spondent. This is a phase of jour nalism that nearly every embryonic journalist contemplates rather hope fully, for it is undoubtedly glamorous. Miss McEvoy gave an enlightening glimpse of the life and trials of the correspondent. The third and final discussion was . , , on The Woman's Page Editor. In v..ser to withhold independence from approaching tne subject Margaret Alpha Omicron Has Real Gaelic Party A St. Patrick's Day dinner, typical in spirit if not in the letter, was given by the Meal Planning class of the Home Economics Department, yester day at 11 o'clock in the model dinette. According to the custom introduced last year, chances were sold and lucky guests were welcomed after the draw ing of numbers. In addition to the chance guests, the name of one stu dent from each class was drawn and an invitation presented to her. Table decorations were carried out in green-and-white, with a bicentennial touch of red. Between courses a St. Patrick's Day entertainment, including an appropriate radio program, was given. The following menu was pre- pared and served by members of the Meal Planning class: Cream of pea soup, pepper baskets, potato balls, as paragus, avocado pear salad, and checker-board cake. A genuine Belleek porcelain dish will be the centerpiece at the Gaelic dinner, and will complete the Celtic atmosphere by providing a true note of antiquity and priceless Irish art. The dish, of exquisitely fragile glisten ing ware, appears to be woven like a dainty basket. It was brought to America in 1908 by the Reverend Wal ter McDonald, D. D., of Maynorth Col lege, Ireland, and was recently given to the Home Economics department of Mundelein College by the Very Rev erend Monsignor P. F. Carroll of Litchfield, Illinois. Belleek porcelain is the most fragile ware known, and is often spoken of as egg-shell china, being remarkable for its lightness and translucency. It was patented in 1857 by a Frenchman, and it takes its name from the town of Belleek, Ireland, where a factory was subsequently established. the fair Helen. Interesting papers were read by Vir ginia Woods on the Athenian calendar, Margaret Grace on Greek festivals, and Mary Margaret Morrissey on the Roman household. Beverly Balster was received into the club and Mary Frances Burke was installed as treas urer. On the Ides of March the Chemistry Club and Eta Phi Alpha, the Classical Club, held a joint meeting which proved conclusively that these two groups have a great deal in common. The program was begun by Theo dora Alexopolos, who spoke on Aris totle, considering the philosopher's scientific ideas. The second number was a paper on Photostats written by Elaine Krambles and read by Miss Walsh. Mary Agnes Tynan gave a short sketch illustrating how, with the aid of modern chemistry, the great Caesar might have outwitted the conspirators. A very enlightening dissertation on the theories of Lucretius was given by Mary I aHy. The program was concluded by Winifred Greene who talked on Alchemy. Faculty members of the Classical De partment attended the forty-third Clas sical Conference of the University of Chicago on Saturday, March 5, at 9:30 a. m. As this was the first meeting since May, 1930, a large number of members were present. The program, which presented a number of scholars well-known in the field of classical studies, included the following numbers: Some Phases of Roman Industrial Life (illustrated), read by Gordon J. Laing, professor of Latin and Dean of the Division of Hu manities, University of Chicago; The Present Crisis, by Henry C. Morri son, professor of Education, University of Chicago; Rutilius, by Payson S. Wild, Chicago. Ludlow, one of the pledges, gave a general outline of the requisites for the preliminary steps. Being a mere reporter requires health, a nose for news, and the ability to write briefly and rapidly, she declared. In addi tion, the editor of the woman's page must possess more than average ini tiative and ingenuity. She must be able to accept entire responsibility for her section of the paper and sec that the section may never be termed monotonous. The next activity of the club will be the formal reception of the new mem bers, Mary Catherine Schmelzer, Mar garet Hoyne, Frances Davidson, Vir ginia AVoods, Ruth Tangney, and Ann Lally, shortly after the Easter vaca tion. (Continued from page 1, column 1) Miss Smith, in concluding the Munde lein case, emphasized the international consequences which might result were India to be given independence at this crucial period in the world's history. In the Mundelein rebuttal which fol lowed, Miss Sullivan asked the affirma tive what India would do with inde pendence. Was India prepared to cope with it? She questioned India's right to independence since no proof had been given that she could main tain an adequate self-government. In conclusion. Miss Sullivan stated that the question for debate was not what was best for England but for India, therefore it might be wondered if the second affirmative's argument were pertinent. Miss Venomen began the Purdue rebuttal by averring that Eng land was as much involved as India and that she must therefore be con sidered. She asked if it were not true that the Hindus and Moslems bad united to resist Great Britain. The decision was of the audience-change-of- opinion type, and official report from Station WLS announces that the votes rendered the decision in favor of Mundelein. GERMAN STUDENTS HEAR HAUPTMANN The German students had the privi lege of hearing Gerhart Hauptmann, the greatest living German dramatist, speak over the radio on March 1, from Columbia University, New York, on Goethe in commemoration of the one-hundredth anniversary of the death of the great German poet. Mr. Hauptmann was introduced by Nicholas Murray Butler, president of the University, and his address was delivered in German. The contents of the address have been sent for and the German students look forward to com paring their translations with the original. A number of students in the German department have entered the Goethe essay contest and are eagerly hoping to capture the first prize of two hundred dollars. Plays Are To Be Given In German Members of Die Rothensteiner Gesell- schaft will present two one-act plays in German at the initiation program scheduled for this afternoon, March 18. The following students have parts in En Route: Anne O'Sullivan, Victoria Koester, Anna Marie Erst, Margaret Mary O'Neill, Valeria Sriubas, Eliza beth Sacevicius and Marion Siffermann. The cast of Holy Night is as follows: Charlotte Knerr, Mary Josephine Greer, and Ursula Walsh. Through the courtesy of the Rev erend John Rothensteiner, who pre sented the club with a generous gift on the occasion of his seventy-second birthday. Die Rothensteiner Gesell- schaft, in memory of the first Rothen steiner Day at Mundelein, will frame the pictures of the first Archbishops and Bishops of Chicago presented to the college by Mr. F. P. Kenkel of St. Louis.
title:
1932-03-18 (3)
publisher:
Women and Leadership Archives http://www.luc.edu/wla
creator:
Mundelein College
description:
Student newspaper for Mundelein College
subject:
Newspapers
subject:
Religious communities--Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
subject:
Students
subject:
Universities and colleges
subject:
Women's education
relation:
Mundelein College Records
type:
Text
language:
English
rights:
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coverage:
Chicago, Illinois
coverage:
Mundelein College