Religious Communities of tlfen in Texas
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community were dispelled, but there was urgent need for greater aid and ~,1pport. Father Ross pointed out that "the results to the Church in remov- ing prejudice, if not in making actual converts, more than warrant the expenses of the Newman Club. Here are several thousands of the choicest youth of Texas, gathered together at an impressionable age, providen- tially spread out for our sickle. The future legislators and lawyers, bank- ers and governors, congressmen and Presidents are here." 67 There was an urgent need for a Catholic Women's dormitory to accom- modate the increasing number of Catholic women students. With the per- mission of Bishop Gallagher and the Paulists community, arrangements were made by Father Ross in 1917 with the Dominican Sisters to erect a dormitory for women students on the Guadalupe corner lot. This arrange- ment required the acquisition of property on San Antonio Street, back of St. Austin's Chapel and the Newman Club, for a rectory where the Paulist Fathers could live. Aecordingly, a house and lot were purchased to serve as a rectory, and an adjoining lot and house was acquired for a parish school that was to be operated by the Dominician Sisters. Newman Hall was soon built as a dormitory for Catholic young women and opened in 1918. A parish school was established in the lot and house immediately behind the chapel, which was inaugurated in September 1917 and placed under the direction of the Dominician Sisters. Due to the increase of students at the University and the growth of the parish in recent years, a new parish church, student chapel and a more adequate club house are being planned and hvo lots on University Avenue, opposite the University Memorial Fountain, have been purchased. Rede·mptorist Fatleers, C.SS.R., 19rr. This Order, founded on No- vember 9, 1732, by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, has for its purpose the conduct of missions and retreats and the opening of their houses to those who wish to make spiritual exercises in a religious community. The Redemptorists, as the members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer are generally known, came to America in 1828, at the invita- tion of Bishop Edward Fenwick of Cincinnati, Ohio. From there they have spread all over the United States. They were invited to help in the missions of Texas in the early days of Bishop Odin, and again in 1881 by Bishop Neraz, of San Antonio, but 67 The above summary of the development of the Newman Club under the direction of the Paulist Fathers up to 1916, is based on a brief statement made by Father John Elliot Ross, C.S.P., to Bishop Gallagher January 3, 1916, and the letters of Father Searle to Bishop Gallagher, all in C. A. T.
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