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THE
COLUMBAN -
Christmas 1952 and Summer 1953 editions
lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
The students at St Columba's had their own magazine called "The Columban"
up until Christmas 1954, after which they contributed to The Pelican—which
became the joint magazine for St Columba's and The Priory. (Previously, Priory
students' own magazine was "The Priorian", of course).
The Columban was type-written and then photocopied by D P Selfe
& Co in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Both editions that Tony lent me are buff coloured
but I am not sure whether the paper used was origianlly white—so you may
find my scan (left) a little unfamiliar . . .
I have created a 'Contents' page of my own for each edition, as follows, and
below these you will find some of the articles reproduced.
Christmas 1952 Contents:
• Editorial
• Christmas — a poem by John Meek
• The Diary of the term
• A Short History of St Columba's by James Youdale & Patrick Cassidy
• Dryburgh Abbey by Christopher McGuire
• The Infant Jesus — a poem by by Patrick Rice
• Autumn in the Air by Paul Geraghty
• The meaning of Christmas by Terence Pettit
• The Late Archbishop Hughes by Manus McGuire and Michael Goodstadt
• "Sandy" by Bernard Hughes
• Uellean bagpipes by Gerard O'Byrne
• Lwangan House Notes by Anthony Hansen
• Kizitan House Notes by David Sole
• Mukasan House Notes by Francis Fairney
• Kiwanukan House Notes by Francus Mackin
• Second Form Class Notes by Clement Gallagher
• First Form Class Notes by Anthony McCaffrey
• The thoughts of a Seminarist by Francis Walsh (Father Walsh ?)
• Crosword
Summer 1953 Contents:
• Editorial
• Father Superior by The Students
• The Diary of the term
• Lwangan House Notes by Clement Gallagher
• Kizitan House Notes by Christopher McGuire
• Kiwanukan House Notes by John Lilley
• Mukasan House Notes by George Smith
• The New Light of the Scottish Borders by Michael Goodstadt
• "A Sand Storm" by John Corcoran
• The Story of a Match by John Lyden
• The College Grounds by Peter Jackson
• A Priest's Thoughts — a poem by John O'Donnell
• The Life of St Paul, the first Hermit by Desmond Boyle
• The Lake District by Patrick Cassidy
• Crystal Palace by John Pi ke
• The Robin and the W ren by John Tierney
• The Ostrich by Bernard Hughes
• The Bee Hive by James Youdale
• "The Golden Sword" — a poem by Francis Walsh (later, Bishop Walsh ?)
• Class Notes (2nd Form) by John Smith
• Class Notes (1st Form) by Robin Griffin
• Sports Quiz
• Geography Quiz
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September
l2th
Today, we had an introductory retreat consisting of talks given by four of the
fathers. This helped to put us in the right frame of mind with which to begin
our studies on the next day.
September 25th
We were privileged to receive a visit from the British Provincial—The Very
Reverend Father Howell. After giving us a short talk full of encouragement
he had to leave us but he did not forget to give us the rest of the day off.
October 1st
This was a memorable occasion, for the Captain and the Prefects were chosen
on this day.
October 3rd
Since this is the feast of St.Theresa, patroness of the missions we were granted
a holiday.
October 20th
We began our annual retreat; and this year we were privileged to have as director
of the retreat Father Stanley, a veteran missionary from Tanganyika.
The inspiring talks that he gave us will surely be productive of much good during
the course of the year.
November 10th
We were especially honoured to have with us today, three Provincials, our own
and those of Canada and America.
November 15th
The first team won a resounding victory by defeating the village team 5—0.
December 1st
We celebrated in a fitting manner the feast of St. Andrew firstly because he
is the Patron of Scotland and secondly, because he is the patron saint of Father
Superior. We began the day with Solemn High Mass and a concert in the evening
brought the day's festivities to an end.
December 8th
In accordance with the traditions of the Society, we gave to this day, the feast
of the Immaculate Conception, under which title, Our Lady is the patroness of
this missionary oongregation, the fullest possible solemnity. At High Mass and
Benediction, the choir excelled themselves in the singing of the motets which
they had prepared for the occasion.
December 9th
We were privileged to have amongst us today His Lordship Bishop Walsh W F of
Aberdeen. We all owe a great deal to Bishop Walsh since he is the founder of
St.Columba's.
The end of the term is now in sight ; next week we begin our examinations which
we intend to do well as a preparation for Christmas. In conclusion, we wish
all our readers all the blessings of the Holy Season and trust that they will
return from their holidays fortified and ready for another term of hard work
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A
SHORT HISTORY of ST. COLUMBA'S
by
James Youdale and Patrick Cassidy
Taken from THE COLUMBAN -
Christmas 1952
To Father Walsh (now Bishop Walsh of Aberdeen) and Father Drost
was given the task of making the first foundation of the White Fathers in Scotland;
a site had to be secured, plans had to be drawn up and a college had to be erected.
In due time this was done and 1936 saw the result of their efforts, for in that
year St Columba's College was ready for occupation.
The first fathers to take up residence in the College were: Fathers Marchant
and Taylor; for a time, they lived in what is now the students' recreation
room but which was, in those days, a chapel, refectory and living quarters combined.
On the third of September 1936, the first Mass was celebrated. On September
14, the first student arrived and he was followed by ten more on the 25th of
the same month.
The house was officially opened and blessed by His Lordship Bishop Roy of
Bangweulu
on November lst 1936. The Superior General of the Society visited it on April
13th 1937. Until 1939, the Superior of the College was the founder, Father Walsh,
as he then was; however, as he had other important work to do the Superiors
of the Society decided to release him from this charge and he was replaced by
Father Stanley.
During the war years, the house beside being a Junior Seminary also became a
house of Philosophy; and in September 1940, the college chapel was the scene
of an ordination, when the Tonsure was conferred on the Philosophers. Incidentally,
some of the fathers now on the staff here were included in that ordination.
In 1943 the Junior Seminarists were transferred elsewhere and the college was
reserved for the Philosophers only. From 1945 to 1946, it served as a Noviciate;
and from 1946 to 1948, it became again a house of Philosophy. In 1948 it reverted
to its original purpose, that of serving as a Junior Seminary. The staff appointed
for the house was as follows: Father Murphy (Superior), Father Boyd,
Father Houlihan and Brother David; they are still with us except
for Father Houlihan, who is now working on the missions.
Since then, St. Columba's has gone from strength to strength; it now has a lovely
new chapel and at present another storey is being added to the original building.
It now houses three times as many students as it did in 1936. We might add,
too, that it serves as the Propaganda Centre for the whole of Scotland. The
College therefore has a glorious history behind it; and we pray God to bless
in the future as He has done so abundantly in the past.
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DRYBURGH
ABBEY
by
Christopher McGuire
Taken from THE COLUMBAN -
Christmas 1952
In the picturesque borders of Scotland, lying in the wooded valley of the River
Tweed, stand the remains of the ancient abbey of Dryburgh. Until the so-called
"Reformation"', it was the home of the Premonstratentions in Scotland.
History has it that this abbey was founded about the middle of the twelfth century
by Hugo de Morville who brought a congregation of monks with him from England.
After it had been completed it was dedicated to Our Blessed Lady. In 1322, it
was burnt down by Edward I I when he was retreating from Scotland but it was
rebuilt two years later at the behest of Robert the Bruce. From now on until
the religious changes of the sixteenth century the monks were left in peace
to devote their lives to the worship of God and to promote the good of the community
by ministering to their needs both spiritual and temporal.
It did not escape the grasping hands of the reformers. The monks were driven
away, its treasures were looted and its lands given to greedy nobles.
The abbey was, in fact given to the Earl of Mar by James VI I . Today, not very
much of it remains, but what does gives one an idea of its magnificence when
it was intact. Of the Church, only the western gable and a part of the choir
are left. Most of the refectory still stands. It is said that the remains of
James Stuart lie under the high altar. Also within the precincts of the abbey
are the tombs of Sir Walter Scott and Earl Haig.
Surely, it is a remarkable coincidence to say the least that today there stands
in the grounds of this monastery another religious foundation of the Church
which was once proscribed. What can this be but a sign that the Church can never
be destroyed; and who knows but that one day the monks may return to Dryburgh?
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DIARY OF THE TERM
by
John Lilley
Taken from THE COLUMBAN -
Summer 1953
January 16th
This marked the date of our return to St.Columba's. Everyone looked very fit
and well as a result of the Christmas holidays.
January
24th
On this day, the parish of Galashiels celebrated the centenary of its foundation.
The whole community assisted at the Solemn High Mass at which our choir sang.
February 17th
Since this was the last day before Lent we were granted a holiday. The highlight
of the day was the football match with the Scholasticate in the afternoon. We
were beaten seven nil, but we enjoyed it in spite of our defeat.
March 16th
We were honoured today by a visit from His Grace, Archbishop Bronsveldt,
Archbishop of Tabora. He granted us a holiday which we received on the next
day.
March 19th
The feast of St Joseph. In the afternoon, we went to the Scholasticate for a
return match with the scholastics. We had a more favourable result this time,
for we managed to hold them to draw: 2-2.
April 5th
Easter Sunday. During Holy Week, we had all the magnificent ceremonies of the
Church for this period, carrying them out to the best of our ability; the climax
came with the ceremony of the Paschal Vigil, at which we had a good congregation.
We now look forward to the week's holiday which lies ahead of us.
May 30th
Father Superior took us to Edinburgh to attend the Catholic Youth Rally in honour
of the Coronation. We also used the occasion to visit the places of interest
in the city.
June 2nd
Coronation Day, to which the whole country
has been looking forward. Bad as the weather was, it did not stop our festivities
and especially our prayers for the Queen. We were invited to take part in the
village sports in which we won many prizes. We had three entries in the fancy
dress parade in the evening, each of which received a prize; two firsts and
a second. Most of the surrounding hills had bonfires on them, and we had one
of our own.
June 4th
The feast of Corpus Christi. We took part in the procession at Galashiels. We
had our own procession on the following Sunday; many of the parishioners from
Galashiels came to take part in it.
June I l th
Ordination Day. Today we went to assist
at the ordinations to the priesthood of the twenty deacons from Monteviot. It
was an inspiring and wonderful ceremony and made us look forward to our own
ordinations. For us, as well as for the young priests, it marks the climax of
the year.
In a short time, we shall be going home for our holidays. It has been a happy
year and we thank God for it.
WALKING
IN THE MEON VALLEY
by Richard Calcutt
Taken from The Pelican - Summer 1956, lent by
Anthony McCaffrey
In past numbers of The
Pelican the main emphasis when speaking of life at The Priory has been given
either to work or that haven of rest, Galleydown. Tnis year has however seen
a remarkable interest in walking, due no doubt to te bad weather and to the
novelty of that form of recreation.
Strange as it may seem, little or nothing has ever been said about the picturesque
and indeed interesting countryside we at Bishop's Waltham are fortunate to be
surrounded by. Most walking expeditions from The Priory lead first of all to
the old-world villages of Corhampton and Meonstoke, where can
be seen Saxon churches, unique of their kind.
Here
the rambler will provide himself with liquid refreshment for the next stage
of his journey. There are three roads available.
That to East Meon, and that to Droxford dispute the field with a Northbound
one that leads to nowhere. The first two named constitute a promenade along
the Meon Valley which stretches for many miles through very beautiful
countryside.
The road to Droxford is long, yet to the lover of nature only too short. Running
parallel to the road is the River Meon which is well known round these parts
for fishing.
The main interest of Droxford with its delightful Norman ("the Domesday")
Church is the village's connection with that great author and thinker, Izaac
Walton, who spent much of his spare time fishing in the,Meon—"a
silent silver stream." It was here that he received the inspiration for
his book, "The Compleat Angler."
If the Western road from Corhampton is taken, the rambler will include in his
walk no less interesting countryside. The Meon, still running parallel to the
road, affords a delightful companion on the journey to West Meon. On
the way one passes by the old villages of Exton and Warnford.
West.Meon itself is of no particular beauty but if one's strength allows it,
the village of East Meon is well worth a visit. It is a village remote and,
unspoilt, set in lovely scenery. There are high downs all around with the exception
of the North West through which tha waters of the Meon flow.
From Corhampton there is however a third road which takes the traveller through
the really old parts of Hampshire. On all sides the lovely old lane is surrounded
by high hills which all have some historical connection with the past. The highest
of these is Old Winchester Hill where on the summit can still be seen
the remains of a British camp. The lane however takes one on a detour of many
miles, so it is advisable to return the same way as one came.
Hampshire is with few exceptions a county full of beauties, natural and of man's
making; a county which is always worth a visit. It is to be hoped that now the
outer crust has been pierced by the Students of the Priory in their quest of
pleasure and knowledge, they will not allow their interest to dwindle, and the
history of Hampshire to remain for them a closed book.
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OLD BOYS' CORNER—
Frae the Airts An' Pairts
by Anonagle Form I I
Taken from The Pelican - Summer 1956, lent by
Anthony McCaffrey
Since the last issue of This Paper we have received little news of our old boys,
and would welcome more.
We have however the sorrow of announcing the death on active service in Cyprus
of Joseph McManus who was serving with the RAF. after finishing with
credit in 1954 his course at The Priory.
Joseph was well-liked by his fellow students and had kept faithfully in touch
with one or -other of them since his departure. His loss is felt by us all,
and we expressed our sympathy in the best possible way by joining in prayer
at a Requiem Mass as soon as the news reached us that he had met his death.
May he rest in peace.
Charles Mansfield who was with us until the war years when he left North
Africa to pursue a lay career has sent us news of his fortunes. He would appear
to be not only a main prop of the business which benefits by his organising
ability . . . a London firm of repute where the mere mention of "Mr Mansfield"
opens doors and summons bowing flunkeys from loft to basement . . . where incidentally
Mr M. presides in his own department. He writes: "Married the best girl
in the world ... four little children . . . more work when I get home; peace
when they go to bed . . . P.P. asked me to be Master of Ceremonies in the Church
and has regretted it ever since." So if we may pass judgment on Mr Mansfield
we would conclude to a continued high level of versatility. We look forward
to an invasion of The Priory by the family.
We were very happy to see back among us Mr Peter Ford who graced these
premises from 1922-'27, when he came South on holiday.
News has reached us that Martin Hickey (1950-'52) is now working in Eire
as a garage salesman, and that Patrick O'Neil (1946-'53) has applied
for entryto St Mary's Training College for teachers, Strawberry Hill.
To these and to all our "old boys" we send greetings and good wishes
and exhort them to avail themselves of our columns to show us they are enjoying
life, making their way in life with credit, and not forgetting all the literary
tricks they picked up while here. It is not a question of their finding a topic
that would interest us. Anything they care to write about concerning their life
at present or their experiences in the past will be most welcome and will provide
a happy substitute for these notes in the third person.
| Addresses | |
| Charles Mansfield | 18 Colenso Road, Seven Kings, Ilford |
| Peter Ford | 8 Sherwood Close, Salford 5 |
| Michael Ryan | 8 Swiss Road, Elm Park, Liverpool 6 |
| Martin Hickey | Culban, Millstreet, Co. Cork |
| Patrick O'Neill | 52 West Glebe Road, Corby, Northants |
| Martin Hickey | Culban, Millstreet, Co. Cork |