Opening Ceremonies

Tonight's opening of the new academic year was quite exhilarating. First, Mass at 5:15, at which the president of the University, Msgr. Hogan, presided. At 7:30 the whole school assembled in the baroque library, which has been called "the sistine chapel of the north" (see picture). There we were privileged to witness a performance by an opera singer and a pianist of some reputation (I heard mention of two of the opera houses in Vienna), as well as a very talented young violinist. Mozart and Bach, duets on the piano, violin accompanied by piano, selections from various operetta's, what an evening! High Austrian culture brought right into the Kartause. And afterwards bread and cheese, fruits and cakes, and wine, no shortage of good red wine.

The president of the University also gave an address on the subject of, "The Idea of a University," in which he posed the question, "Are Students Animals or Are They Beasts?" A provacative question indeed. Of course we are animals, rational animals, according to the definition of Aristotle. The speech focused in on the trend in modern society to treat beasts with more and more respect while at the same time treating men with less and less respect. It is no coincidence that animal rights movements go hand in hand with increased abortion and euthanasia, for the evolutionary theory has increasingly blurred the line between man and beast. What separates us from the beasts? Our rationality. And here we come to the purpose of the University: to form human beings in that which makes us human; to educate; not merely to impart knowledge, but to train the mind of the student in virtue.