SOL-Through the medium of your columns I would like to be permitted to draw the attention of Catholic headmasters and headmistresses, throughout the country, to the necessity of a fuller co-operation with the Union of Catholic Students, The Holy Sec has laid down that Catholics may attend a non-Catholic university, only on condition that, at the same time, they undergo religious instruction' corresponding, as far as possible, to the higher degree of secular education which they receive. I wonder how many boys and girls at Catholic schools, whose intention it is to enter a university, are aware of these conditions?
A chaplain is attached to practically every university Catholic society throughout the country ft is due to the untiring efforts of these chaplains that so many of our students are able to fulfil these conditions.
One of the objects of the U.C.S. is the provision of amenities which wffl protect the young Catholic student, on entering a university. from the general apathy towards Christianity. all evident in our universities to-day. It is to be remembered that such a student is not, of himself, fully fitted to combat this successfully. He has lived up to this point ip the comparatively more sheltered life of a Catholic school. The majority of students on entering a university are bewildered to a certain extent by this new typo of life. It Is in this bewilderment they may let slip the practices of the Catholic Faith. I assure you. Sir. Catholic university life is not without such instances.
U.C.S. in addition to providing a means of defence against this danger00$ and clinging apathy, forms an ideal training fur the sNewman Association, the graduate division of the University Catholic Federation. The Newman Association is the means by which graduates can voice the opinions of the Catholic intellectual body in this country. How, Sir, can this association expand. and function fully, if it is not to receive a constant stream of graduates, trained in the responsibilities entailed in the highest fermis of education? How,' too, Sir, can U.C.S. provide this growing strength to the Newman if it is not given the means of contacting the Catholit who has just come up to a university?
I would therefore appeal that headmasters and heedmistresses of Catholic schonle should inform the hon. secretary of U.C.S. at the end of every school year of the following .particutars: (a) The name, or names, of intending students. .
(b) The university in which each intends to study.
(c) The Faculty in which each intends to read.
In conclusion, I would add that any queries concerning U.C.S. are most cordially welcomed and particulars may be obtained from the hon. secretary. Miss B. Heston, 11, Cavendish Square, W.I.
OWEN MC OHM President, UC.S. 50, Conduit Road, Broomhill, Sheld, 10.
the Lutheran heresies proved our own Henry VIII to be a " Defender of the Faith." Nor. again, may Mr. Hall describe these gestures as either " inexplicable " or " grossly misleading."
The italics are in each case my own.
GILLIS POTTER.