By Patrick Kuplack, ’21
convoco, convocare, convocavi, convocatus (v.) trans.: to call together, convene, summon, muster
It is dusk on the eleventh of September, 2020. The student body has formally assembled under a lofty tent for the first time as a College; the shadows grow slowly deeper as late evening sets in and the crickets take up their song. A low hum of conversation pervades as the seated crowd waits expectantly in the twilight. A bell rings. All silence and rise. Out of the library the faculty solemnly process in academic regalia, moving through the rows of students to seats of honor. Father Healey invokes the blessing of the Holy Ghost upon our small conclave and President Fahey takes the stand as stars begin to stud the night sky.
Dr. Fahey speaks of our College seal, its significance, and the rich heraldic symbolism behind it. He says that in the medieval days, when heraldry flourished, men wore coats of arms so they could be recognized on the field of battle: no man of honor could hide his identity as he flashed it proudly on his shield and bore its colors on his helm. The sign of a warrior’s family was something of which he was proud and for which he would willingly die. That is what our own College coat of arms ought to be to us. And just as on a coat of arms it is the collection and order of the symbols that create the identifiable and unified whole, so with our College, it is the convening of all the members in solidarity and purpose—and not the buildings and grounds—which make it what it is.
Dean Thompson then takes the podium, addressing the student body for the first time this academic year in his official capacity. After brief remarks, the second formal order of convocation takes place, the calling itself. The Dean calls each of the freshmen by name and requests their signatures in the matriculation book. It is by this act that each incoming student becomes an official member of the College; the remainder of the student body will recommit their names to the book over the course of the following week. In the hush of semi-darkness, amidst the soft glow of ambiance lighting, only the voice of Mr. Thompson is to be heard. The solemnity of this singular event is palpable as each freshman is called forth. The signings now finished, Mr. Thompson pronounces in a deep and clear voice the yearly declaration which marks the official beginning of the college term: “Mr. President, convocatum est. The College is now assembled.”
Dr. Fahey then introduces Dr. Robert Royal, the inaugural St. John Henry Newman Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies, who delivers an inspiring address which can be watched below, culminating with words of encouragement from Benedict XVI: “Siamo Pochi, Ma Buoni—We are few, but we are good.” Dr. Fahey and Fr. Healey then close the evening with remarks and a prayer, and once more the professors process past the students.
And what ought to be done after such a meaningful and solemn ceremony? Why, swiftly transform the environs to an atmosphere most festive, of course! Food, drink, and song become the order of the evening as we celebrate our College. Last call is at eleven, but that does not deter us. The merriment continues as we all join heartily in singing the old tunes, capping off the night with an unfurling of our nation’s stars and stripes, singing the National Anthem and a Salve Regina in memory of those who gave their lives that September day nineteen years ago.
Convocatum est. We are assembled under the banner of our noble patron in bonds of charity and joy. It is here that, with a smile on our lips and a song in our hearts, we will be a sign of contradiction to a broken world.
For further reading:
“Convocatum est”: College Convenes under the Patronage of St. Thomas More
