Magdalen College Pledges Fidelity, Again

MAGDALEN COLLEGE, Oct. 5—The Magdalen College began its 26th year with an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church on Sept. 10 while welcoming their largest freshman class in 20 years.

The faculty and staff of Magdalen have taken the oath every year since 1991, the year after Pope John Paul II promulgated Ex Corde Ecclesiae, the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities.

The Oath of Fidelity is required of teachers “who in any university teaches subjects which deal with faith and morals” (Code of Canon Law, 833:7).

Catholic University of America Enrollment Jumps

ARLINGTON HERALD, Sept. 30—Catholic University, located in Washington, D.C., welcomed 816 freshman this year, a 40% rise from last year's numbers. There's so many new students, that the University had to build a temporary residential court of 26 modular homes to free up residence hall space for the large class.

Why so many students?

John Dolan, dean of enrollment management, said the biggest single factor in the increase is “the clarity of our Catholic message,” the Herald reported. In addition, Catholic University increased their advertising budget and started accepting online applications. More than 700 students applied over the Internet, according to the University. About 80% of incoming freshman are Catholics.

The architecture program is also a big draw, Dolan told the Herald. “We set out to recruit 60 architecture students and 90 enrolled.”

Notre Dame Honors Rev. Leon Sullivan

NOTRE DAME, Oct. 7—The Rev. Leon Sullivan, a civil rights leader, will be awarded the 1999 Notre Dame Award for international humanitarian service on Nov. 3.

“Leon Sullivan's struggle against racial prejudice and economic injustice has been lifelong, exemplary and inspiring,” said Notre Dame's president, Holy Cross Father Edward A. Malloy, in announcing the award. “In honoring his work, we hope to recommit ourselves to the same struggle.”

The Rev. Sullivan, pastor emeritus at Zion's Baptist in Philadelphia, rose to prominence during the civil rights movement by organizing boycotts and protests. Later, he became active in fighting apartheid in South Africa.