Bulletin of Catholic University of Peking

SIR THEODORE F. MacMANUS, K.C.S.G.

IX years ago the Catholic University of Peking was still a dream. Less

than four years have elapsed since the first two Benedictine monks set out _ for the Orient to begin the preliminary work for the future university. To-day the infant institution has merited recognition by the Chinese Government. Such rapid progress would arrest attention under any circumstances; to one acquainted with the history of missionary education in China and the difficulties connected with the registration of a school there, it is little short of amazing.

Self-sacrifice and generosity have made of the seeming impossible a fazt accompli. It is the spirit of service written in letters of gold on every page of the short history that alone can explain the rapid and remarkable success. Those in the field have given the best that was in them; benefactors of the University have responded to its needs with the grand gesture of a liberal support. A growing list of devoted patrons contains no name more redolent of this Spirit of Service than that of Theodore F. MacManus.

The figure of Theodore F. MacManus looms large on the horizon of American Catholic laymen. It is a commonplace among his associates that he possesses in a high degree those qualities and virtues that insure leadership in the business world, qualities that have gained for hima large measure of success, so that he is regarded as the foremost man in the advertising field in America to-day. As a writer, his ability is unquestioned, and he has zealously and fearlessly employed his talents in defense of the Church. The productions of his pen are noted for their vigor, clarity, and logic, and on more than one occasion his controversial writings have proved of inestimable value to the cause of Catholicity, a notable instance being the overthrow of the power of the ‘Guardians of Liberty”’ who, several years ago, had obtained the ascendancy of political power in Toledo and were taking advantage of their position to carry on an anti-Catholic campaign that for intensity and rancor had, perhaps, never been equalled in America.

His services to the Church in the missionary field have not been less outstanding. The Catholic University of Peking owes to this munificent benefactor an enormous debt of gratitude. His contribution of one hundred thousand dollars came at a critical moment in the life of the University. It was this gift that enabled the institution to open its doors to students. At that time the University had little more to recommend it than its hopes for the future, and had it not been for this benefactor’s faith in the ultimate triumph of the undertaking, the Catholic University of Peking might still be struggling for recognition.

Tere