University Catholic Societies

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 20, 18 May 1922, Page 37

University Catholic Societies

We are glad to see in the January issue of The Inter University Magazine that the federation of the University Catholic Societies of Great Britain has been effected and the final draft of a constitution of a federation has received the assent of the societies concerned (says the London Tablet). The objects of the federation are “to promote social intercourse between Catholics connected with universities or university colleges; to assist the formation of an educated Catholic opinion in matters of social, intellectual and political importance in relation of groups in each university or university college, for the special study of social, economic, scientific, etc., topics; to create a panel of suitable lectures upon such topics and a suitable literature.” This is a large-minded and practical programme, which, with the increased intercourse and the mutual encouragement and help fostered by it, should be well within the ability of the various societies to carry out. The Magazine has received a sympathetic letter from Sir Michael Sadler, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds University, in which he emphasises two points which are part of the very purpose of the Catholic University Societiescooperation and the importance of fundamental principles of life. After pointing out how the new universities have learnt from the old, and now realise the value of corporate life, Sir Michael proceeds: “Co-operation without compromise is feasible for us. , We can be frank, and yet refrain from quarrelling. We, of the Church of England, have much to learn from personal intimacy with the living representatives of a high tradition. Whatsoever is best in our keeping should, if they are willing, be at others’ service. Within the friendly walls of university life, at any rate, we can find scope for amity, which is not false to conviction. Since tho war we have all been driven in thought back to fundamentals. More light about fundamentals, greater certainty, about fundamentals, is what we long for. Whatever our faculty, we feel the same need. Intellectual guidance, very important though it be, will not give us all we seek. Spiritual guidance, tendered by men of deep experience, is needed also.”