St. Anthony’s Capuchin Franciscan College, Mendocino County

Page 1

St. Anthony's Capuchin Franciscan College, Mendocino Co., California. In the year 1910, the late Bishop O'Reilly, who at that time was Bishop of Baker City, Oregon, paid a visit to Ireland and in the course of his travels, officiated at the Ordination to the Priesthood of some of our students at the beautiful Church of the Holy Trinity, Cork. When the ceremony was finished, the Right Rev Bishop spoke to the Superiors of the Order, explaining the vastness of the territory under his spiritual jurisdiction, and urging the need of the establishment of an American mission within the confines of his Diocese. The result was the coming to America of the Irish Franciscan Capuchins fired with that missionary zeal which is native to the Celtic character. Two houses were established in Baker City diocese, namely Bend and Hermiston. Soon after another was established in Roseburg, Oregon. Our activities were then extended as far as Pennsylvania, the cradle of American liberty, in which state we still have a house situated not far the famous Battle Field of Gettysburg. Bishop O'Reilly was then transferred to Lincoln, Nebraska and knowing from experience the wonderful work of the Fathers, offered them a house in his new Diocese. The year 1920 marked our advent to the Golden Gate, where history had already been made by the sons of St. Francis in the persons of the great-souled Padre Junipero Serra and his loyal companions. Mendocino County was the scene of our first labors in California. During the space of time that we have been located here we have amply provided for the spiritual needs of the people scattered over a territory of almost 4000 square miles. In starting the College at Mendicino, the real object of its establishment is to train and educate young men for the Priesthood, who will supply the much needed want of priests here in our home missions. Boys are instructed in the various branches of the classical courses with a view to their preparation for the Priesthood. The pupils are under the immediate careof the Fathers of the Order, who have had a University training at home and abroad, and whose office is to guide and assist them in fitting themselves for their future sacred calling. To be admitted to the College the applicant must have completed the Eight Grade and present a recommendation from his Parish Priest. The following are the terms:- Board, Lodging & Tuition per Semester.....$200.00Laundry5.00Library Fee2.00Athletics, Lectures, Entertainments, etc,5.00 Reduced rates however may be granted to students of limited means provided they present satisfactory testimonials of good conduct and posess sufficient talent. A Burse has been established through the generosity of a kind benefactor, in order to assist some deserving boy in receiving his preparatory training for the Priesthood. The Capuchin Franciscan Order is not limited in its scope to any particular kind of religious activity. Its priests engage in Parish work, in giving Missions and Retrea…