Page 21 - The Gonzaga Record 1985
P. 21
Gonzaga. It seemed a confusing and unnecessary duplication. The whole matter is
curious. There were humorous references amongst the Jesuit brethern to Fr.
Byrne's 'illumination', but whatever the explanation, at the insistent request of the
Provincial, the school was placed under the patronage of St Aloysius Gonzaga.
The crest and motto
It would appear that the choice of a crest and motto for the school was left
entirely in the hands of the first Rector, Fr Charles O'Conor, SJ. He was descended
in the direct line from Rory O'Conor, the last High King of Ireland, and had the
right to the title of The O'Conor Don. It is not surprising, therefore, that while the
name of the College celebrated an Italian Jesuit saint, the school crest and motto
could hardly be more Irish. The crest consists of the Cross of Cong. In each
quarter are the wolves that are part of the Loyola crest. The motto is: Semper et
Ubique Fide/is ... always and everywhere faithful. This was the motto of the Irish
Brigade which fought so gallantly on the Continent of Europe after the Flight of
the Wild Geese. The green jersey for rugby was also an assertion of Irishness.
So now, approaching September 1950, the absolute necessities for a school were
to hand: a building; some playing fields; a name; a crest and motto; and last of
course a big debt ...
Preparation of the House and Grounds
After an auction on the premises of the things he did not propose to take with
him, Mr William Bewley handed over the keys and possession of Sand ford Hill on
16 June 1950.
The other Bewley house, Sandford Grove, was taken over by the theologians of
View towards Community House before building of the Hall or Chapel.
13
curious. There were humorous references amongst the Jesuit brethern to Fr.
Byrne's 'illumination', but whatever the explanation, at the insistent request of the
Provincial, the school was placed under the patronage of St Aloysius Gonzaga.
The crest and motto
It would appear that the choice of a crest and motto for the school was left
entirely in the hands of the first Rector, Fr Charles O'Conor, SJ. He was descended
in the direct line from Rory O'Conor, the last High King of Ireland, and had the
right to the title of The O'Conor Don. It is not surprising, therefore, that while the
name of the College celebrated an Italian Jesuit saint, the school crest and motto
could hardly be more Irish. The crest consists of the Cross of Cong. In each
quarter are the wolves that are part of the Loyola crest. The motto is: Semper et
Ubique Fide/is ... always and everywhere faithful. This was the motto of the Irish
Brigade which fought so gallantly on the Continent of Europe after the Flight of
the Wild Geese. The green jersey for rugby was also an assertion of Irishness.
So now, approaching September 1950, the absolute necessities for a school were
to hand: a building; some playing fields; a name; a crest and motto; and last of
course a big debt ...
Preparation of the House and Grounds
After an auction on the premises of the things he did not propose to take with
him, Mr William Bewley handed over the keys and possession of Sand ford Hill on
16 June 1950.
The other Bewley house, Sandford Grove, was taken over by the theologians of
View towards Community House before building of the Hall or Chapel.
13
