p. 17 | Opening of a School in Rome by Chas. T. Everson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · May 23, 1907

Opening of a School in Rome

By Chas. T. Everson

From the very beginning of our stay in the home of the papacy, we have been convinced of the important part that the educational work would play in the proclamation of the third angel’s message in this place. From what has been said on the subject, all are persuaded, I am sure, that the educational work is, in the Catholic Church, the life of the papacy; upon it the church depends for retaining its hold on Catholic countries and for enlarging its sphere of influence in unconquered territory.

Professor Lucas, president of the Fernando Academy, in California, has had a burden for founding some educational work at Rome for several years. By corresponding upon the subject, we finally came to a definite conclusion as to what could be undertaken at present, in this work. We have not the means to undertake a work in proportion to the importance of the place or the needs of the field; however, we were persuaded that as Rome was not built in a day, neither would the educational work in Rome be fully launched without long-continued effort. Nevertheless, through the effort made by Brother Lucas in presenting the needs of this cause to the young people of southern California, he succeeded in gaining their support for the enterprise.

The young people are making a noble effort to help, and we certainly appreciate the many sacrifices they are making on behalf of this cause. The enthusiasm with which they have taken up this work has given it such an impetus that others are becoming interested in the enterprise. From the Northern California Conference, too, comes encouraging news of hearts stirred in behalf of the educational work in “the eternal city.” Professor Sharpe, of Healdsburg, is leading his young people to take an interest in the work, having himself a special burden for this branch of the message for Rome. The school, through the help of these kind friends, was opened last fall, and has now been in session about three months. The progress that it has made during this time has surprised even our friends here.

We have a day-school in which we teach the regular studies that are offered in the government schools. This department is under the direction of Professor Orlando, who has a wide experience as a Catholic educator, having been professor in their schools. He is therefore just the person to lead out in this kind of work, as he understands the situation, having inside knowledge of the Catholic system of education; and having also had a university education, he is in touch with the methods used in the government schools.

Our department of music is under the direction of Professor Borghese, a pupil of the famous composer Mascagni. His own music has also been published. He is therefore well qualified to instruct not only those residing here, but also those coming here from abroad to seek a musical education.

Sister Schell teaches English in the school, the language which very many here are anxious to learn. We have also classes in French taught by Brother Vaucher. All our faculty are members of our church at Rome. God has so ordered things that he has brought together some strong men who can help in this branch of the work in this difficult place.

In the different departments we have made over seventy enrolments since the school opened, and new pupils are coming in right along. We are now opening evening courses of common school education for the young men who have had to leave school early in order to earn their living. The government here does not conduct night-schools as is done in America, and for this reason this branch of the school can be developed into a very important factor; and it will bring us in contact with the working classes.

We have already a good class of students. As we are near some of the best high schools of the city, we get some of the students of these institutions, especially for our language courses. By next year, when we shall be better known, we shall have a large number of them. They take the languages in their regular school course; but as it is only dry and theoretical, they scarcely know how to say a word after three years of study. We take them in, and

with the basis already obtained, get them to speak in a short time so that they marvel at themselves when they see the progress they have made. One of the professors of the high school attends two of our language courses. We have also students of the university and government employees in our schools. In one of our private classes we have the three children of one of the most prominent men of Italy, who has been four times in the king’s cabinet, and at the present time is vice-president of Parliament. We are thus on the one side getting in touch with the working classes, while on the other we are coming in contact with the higher classes.

It would be impossible to gain an entrance into the homes of these leading families by meetings; for they never think of frequenting Protestant services. The educational work appeals to all, and furnishes an excellent means of forming their acquaintance and gaining their confidence. This much accomplished, good progress has already been made toward helping them to appreciate the truth when the right opportunity presents itself of teaching it to them.

Of course the school has not escaped the notice of the Catholic Church. Among the first to visit us after the opening of school were two Catholic priests who wished to know all about us. They asked who the director might be, what we expected to teach, if we had any church relationships, etc. The Catholics know that a school is a formidable arm to be used against them, and for this reason they view with alarm the founding of educational institutions. However, the clerical forces gave us quite a surprise in that a gentleman representing the official organ of the Vatican, Osservatore Romano, invited us to advertise our school in the columns of their paper. We have not accepted the proposition.

With the right efforts put forth here on the ground, and with the active support on the part of those who interest themselves in giving the work financial support, there is no reason why a good educational work should not be built up in Rome, which will perform miracles for advancing the truth in the center of Catholicism.

CHAS. T. EVERSON.