The History of Marianapolis

The Background to the Establishment of Marianapolis Preparatory School

The Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception began a three-year celebration of 350 years of existence on December 8, 2019. On December 11, 1670, Saint Rev. Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski allowed his temporary vows in the Piarist Order to expire. He then made an oblation before Vice-Provincial Michael Kraus beginning the Society of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. By 1773, after the suppression of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), most of the Marian religious houses and parishes established schools that were not relegated solely to the nobility. By 1786-87, Very Rev. Raymond Nowicki required all Marian Institutions to establish schools. During the 1793, 1795, and 1797 partitions of Poland, the religious communities began being suppressed by the Russian, Prussian, and Austrian governments. After the 1861 and 1863 Lithuanian uprisings, the Russification took place that strove to assimilate the non-Russian cultures. Initially, all religious monasteries were required to have a minimum of eight members and any priest or brother moving into the house would not be part of the tabulation. Within a few years, the required members became 14 members. Otherwise, the monastery would be closed. By 1865, the Marians were reduced to three monasteries and then, within a few years, down to one at Marijampole, Lithuania. By 1909, Rev. Vincent Senkus was the only Marian alive. 

By 1910 with the approval of Rev. Vincent Senkus and Pope Pius X, Rev. George Matulaitis secretly renovated the Marians but had to make significant changes to the constitution. The Marian Order was changed to a Congregation. Thus, instead of solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the members would make simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They would no longer be required to pray the breviary in choir (common) and they wear a garb that the diocesan priests wore.

On August 18, 1913, Rev. George Matulaitis along with Rev. Felix Kudirka and Rev. Julian Kazakas established the first monastery at St. Michael’s parish on the north side of Chicago. At approximately the same time, the American-Lithuanian Catholic Federation wanted to establish a Lithuanian College to minister to the half-million Lithuanian immigrants. In 1914, World War I undermined the process. After the war, a quarrel ensued between the Federation and the Lithuanian Priests League. The funds available to establish a college were now only $2,000.00.

In August 1922, Rev. Kudirka, Rev. Vincent Kulikauskas, and Rev. Joseph Maciulioinis, the first American novice, evaluated a 220-acre farm with about 40 cows and a flock of chickens. On August 24, the Marians purchased the property in Hinsdale, Illinois. By the summer of 1924, a novitiate building was completed and ten novices joined the Marians. During 1925-1926 under the title of Marian Hills College, the Marians offered a secondary school curriculum to the novices and candidates to the Marian community.

In 1926, the Provincial House, the Marian Hills Juniorate and Marian Hills College were housed in the center section of the building, as pictured right. The students resided in a dormitory on the third floor and classes were held on the first floor. The dining room was in the basement. The two wings were added later. The first wing on the left (north side) was added in 1935. Note the Major Seminary was added in 1934. The modern Gothic chapel and gymnasium wing on the right side (south side) was added between 1936 and 1955.

From 1922-1926, Marian Hills Juniorate housed candidates and novices experiencing their initial steps of formation to enter the Marian community. Marian Hills Juniorate had an ecclesiastical status as a house of formation but not as an educational institution.  

In the spring and summer of 1926, Archbishop George Matulaitis, the Superior General of the Congregation of Marian Fathers, and Father Francis Bucys, the Provincial of the Lithuanian Province, visited Marian Hills Juniorate with the intention of recalling the Marian priests back to fulfill the pastoral needs in Lithuania. However, Archbishop Matulaitis was impressed with the quality of the twelve candidates in the Marian Hills Juniorate. On the spot, he reversed his decision and established the American Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. In July 1926, Archbishop Matulaitis and Rev. Felix Kudirka, the Provincial, met with Cardinal George Mundelein to request approval for the establishment of a Lithuanian College for the twelve students in the Juniorate.  After receiving the approval, Archbishop Matulaitis returned to Hinsdale to formally bless Marian Hills College as the Lithuanian College of America.

For the 1926-1927 academic year, twenty-six students began their high school and college studies at the Lithuanian College of America. Within a brief time, the name reverted to Marian Hills Junior College or Marian Hills College. In the 1927-1928 academic year, the school had thirty-four students. During the 1928-1929 academic year, forty-four students were in the program. For the 1929-1930 academic year, taught by eight instructors, seventy-four students were taking classes in English, mathematics, science, religion, public speaking, ascetics, Greek, French, Latin, Lithuanian, world history, Lithuanian history, chant, and instrumental music.  Although the fifteen novices and two priests were residing in the farmhouse, the main building housed fifty-nine students and two priests.

Since a large number of the student body came from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, Rev. John Jakaitis, pastor of St. Casimir’s Church in Worcester, Massachusetts was delegated to search for a site to establish a school in the “East”. Rev. Jakaitis would later join the Congregation in 1931.  Throughout 1929 and early 1930, he evaluated many locations along the east coast and the better sites included a farm in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, an abandoned jail near Leominster and Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the “Sunset” estate in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Norman B. Ream Estate in Thompson, Connecticut. Although each site had pros and cons, Rev. Jakaitis recommended the Ream Estate as the best option for the site.  However, the buildings on the estate were insured for $297,950.00 with an asking price of $300,000.00.  A year after Rev. Jakaitis’ initial inquiry, the asking price was reduced to $200,000.00. Rev. Jakaitis learned that the property (in bankruptcy and unoccupied) was being maintained at $25,000.00 per year.  Although Rev. Jakaitis continued searching, he judged that the adaptability and attractiveness of the Ream’s estate was the best choice. Finally, around April 15, 1930, the General Council in Rome granted permission to Rev. Jakaitis to negotiate a selling price for the property and to seek permission from the Most Reverend John J. Nilan, Bishop of Hartford to establish a religious house and school in the diocese. If the Congregation of Marians would purchase the property, the bishop would approve the request.  Please note that Rev. Jakaitis received verbal approval.  On March 16, 1931, Very Rev. Felix Kudirka, the Provincial, Rev. Jakaitis and 2 Marian priests toured the property and then met with Bishop Nilan who reiterated his approval.

According to tradition, the provincial superior, Rev. Kudirka asked the Marian community to pray to St. Joseph for the success of the final negotiations and the purchase of the Ream Estate.  As the novena to St. Joseph began, Rev. Kudirka received a message that a $95,000.00 purchase price was accepted.  The novena was changed from one of petition to one of thanksgiving.  (Note: for many years, Catholics who were having difficulties in purchasing or selling houses would pray to St. Joseph for assistance.  Some traditions recommend burying a statue of St. Joseph in the ground of the property to be bought or sold.  Others simply put a small statue in the house).  On April 14, 1931, Marian General Council approved the purchase of the property and the establishment of the religious house.  After receiving approval, Rev. Jakaitis signed the document and placed a $2,500.00 deposit.  The transaction was finalized on May 19, 1931, and Bishop Nilan on May 21, 1931, granted formal permission to the Marian Fathers.  Bishop Nilan affirmed the choice of the Ream Estate.  On June 30, 1931, the Sacred Congregation of Religious approved the establishment of a religious house in Thompson, Connecticut.

The day after the Ream Estate’s purchase was finalized, Rev. John Jakaitis, Rev. Bruno Vitkus, Brother John Seibutis and Brother Joseph Apsiega moved onto the estate and began preparing for a September 1932 opening of the school.  Immediately, Mr. and Mrs. John Tatulis, Mrs. Marijona Kvioksis and Barbara Legikas took up residence and assisted with the farm and household responsibilities.

In June 1931, Bishop Francis Bucys, the Marian Superior General, visited Marian Hills College in Hinsdale, Illinois.  After evaluating the overcrowded accommodations, he strongly recommended changing the movement of the high school and college programs to September 1931 instead of September 1932

In July 1931, Marianapolis (City of Mary^1,2) became the title of the religious house and school used either the “Collegium Marianorum” or St. Mary’s College.

On September 3, 1931, Bishop Bucys appointed Rev. John Navickas the first rector of St. Mary’s College. That same day, Rev. Navickas arrived and assumed the administration of the school.  On September 7, 1931, Rev. Jakaitis blessed the new college’s chapel.

On September 8, 1931, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary the Mother of God, Bishop Francis Bucys, the Superior General, blessed the buildings and the grounds. Rev. John Ambotas, representing Bishop Nilan, celebrated the 11:00 Solemn High Mass.  Rev. A. Petraitis served as deacon and Rev. F. Jakaitis served as sub-deacon. Rev. Casimir Urbanavicius of South Boston preached the sermon in Lithuanian. [Office1] 

Although concelebrating Masses was not permitted until the late 1960s, approximately 40 priests from 10 different states were in the sanctuary during the Solemn High Mass.  Sixty-nine students, their parents, friends, four Casimirite Sisters, three Sisters of the Holy Ghost community and seven Sisters of St. Francis joined the celebration.  After the Benediction and reception, the guests inspected the buildings and toured the grounds. 

The Putnam Patriot reported the event as follows:  "The blessing and opening of the new college took place under most favorable conditions.  It was a beautiful September day, flowers were in bloom backed by a wealth of shrubbery and trees and carpeted with velvety lawns that spread to the fields beyond.  Parents, relatives and friends of the sixty-nine students enrolled at the college and those interested in the advent of such an institution in the eastern section of the country, admired the fine setting  and equally fine building that houses this new institution."

With only 69 (62³ regarding discrepancy) students for the high school and the first year of college, the faculty consisted of the house superior, the rector, one priest, four seminarians or religious brothers and Mr. John Kendrtarvich⁴.  Brother John Banys was the organist and after classes instructed the students in music.  Two religious brothers were responsible for the school building and the farm. By June 1932, the student body was reduced to 62 resident students of which 22 were seminarians (Marian clerics that had taken the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience), 10 were postulants (candidates to the Marian Fathers) and 30 were unaffiliated with the Marian Fathers.  

On January 15, 1932, the first financial report (from May 20 –December 31, 1931) indicated a $7,965.91 deficit with expenses at $18,871.17 and income at $10,905.80.  Immediately, Rev. Navickas began fundraising.  He secured a Provincial grant to pay the current bills and requested a Provincial loan to establish a chemistry and physics laboratory.  He began setting the foundations for the Benefactors of St. Mary’s College.  He asked the Lithuanian priests for assistance.  To his initial request, several clergymen contributed $1,000.00 while other professionals, laborers and clergy contributed $100.00.  To raise an additional $15,000.00, he made appeals at the Lithuanian parishes in Hartford and Waterbury, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island and Brockton, Lowell, Cambridge, Lawrence and Worcester Massachusetts.  In the parishes, he asked the common laborers to donate a dollar a year or a day’s salary to the college. 

On November 27, 1932, Rev. Doctor John Navickas⁵ held the first meeting of the Benefactors of St. Mary’s College. He  informed the benefactors that the school needed to convert the barn into a dormitory, install washrooms with a wash basin for every ten students, establish a small dairy herd that when needed could be expanded and begin raising pigs with an enlarged piggery.  He also highlighted the need for adequate refrigeration and a better kitchen stove. Rev. Navickas and Rev. Jakaitis had already donated more than 2,000 books for the library and Rev. Navickas would create the triple catalogue (title, author and subject). He also reviewed his previous fund raising efforts and the generosity of the Lithuanian priests, parishes and people.  By 1935, he raised more than $40,000.00.

For the 1932-1933 academic year, 72 students were enrolled with eight faculty members.  Nine students were in the first year of college and nine students in the second year of college.  Fifty-four students were in the high school program.  Twenty-one students were Marian seminarians.  Three priests, three brothers and two laymen were the instructors.

On October 15, 1932, St. Mary’s Preparatory School played its first interscholastic football game against Putnam High School.  Albin Sheputa, later a Marian Priest that taught science at Marianapolis, played offensive guard in the contest.  After 60 minutes, Putnam High School prevailed by a 6-0 score.

¹Marijampolis, Mariampol, Marjampol, and Mariyampole have all been named for the seventh largest city in Lithuania that was centered on the Marian Monastery established in 1758 and built after the settlement was destroyed by fire in 1765.  The Monastery was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  “Mariam” means Mary and “polis” is from the Greek for city.  Thus, the name means the City of Mary.  Although many people believe Marianapolis means the City of the Marians, referring to the Congregation of Marian Fathers, that interpretation is inaccurate.

²By 1939, the Congregation of Marian Fathers administered four separate schools in Marijampolis, Lithuania. The Religious House had 19 priests, 5 seminarians, 31 brothers, 8 novices, 2 postulants and 2 lay associates.

³The Putnam Patriot reported 69 students on September 8 and 62 students on September 10.  Rev. Petraitis in The First Fifty Years uses the second number based on the 1932 Elenchus which is a listing of the Marian Fathers’ membership.

⁴Mr. John Kendrtarvich would be the stalwart in math and science into the 1960s.

⁵Rev. Doctor John Navickas’ previous financial experience assisted him in the process. In 1914, Rev. Navickas joined the LaSalette Fathers. After his 1920 ordination and after receiving his 1922 Doctorate In Sacred Theology, he was informed that the LaSalette Fathers were no longer interested in supporting his dream of establishing a Lithuanian College in the United States.  Although disappointed, he had a plan.  He would repay his educational expenses to the LaSalette community and seek a community that would be open to his dream.  From 1922 to 1925, Rev. Navickas preached retreats at Lithuanian parishes to defray the cost of his education.  In 1925, he received permission to join the Marian Fathers.

On January 27, 1933, the sixth anniversary of Archbishop George Matulaitis’ death, the House Council met to discuss the legal status of St. Mary’s College. The Marian leadership was puzzled, surprised and concerned regarding the assessment of taxes for a religious and educational entity. The Marian leadership thought that, as a Marian monastery and a Catholic high school and college, the property would be exempt from taxation. Immediately, Rev. John Navickas and Rev. John Jakaitis sought assistance from Bishop John J. Nilan. After determining the best way to resolve the taxation concerns, Attorney Allan Brosmith, lawyer for the Diocese of Hartford, prepared the documents to have the school incorporated.

During the process of incorporation, the Marians became aware of how many Catholic colleges shared the name St. Mary’s College. After several meetings, the consensus was to change the name to Marianapolis College (see the footnote in the previous article for their rationale).

On June 8, 1933, St. Mary’s College graduated its last class, consisting of seven high school students and nine junior college students. The following day, June 9, 1933, the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut approved Special Act Number 472. The Act officially incorporated Marianapolis College in Thompson, Connecticut. The Act reads as follows.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1.  John J. Nilan, John J. Ambot, Vincent Kulikauskas, John Navickas, John J. Jakaitis, Joseph Valantiejus, Vincent Saulis and Allan E. Brosmith, and such other persons as may be associated with them in accordance with the by-laws of the corporation, are constituted a body politic and corporate by the name Marianapolis College, Thompson, Connecticut. 

Section 2.  The purpose of said corporation shall be to maintain and conduct an institution for the education of young men in the various branches of classical, scientific, and ecclesiastical education and such other departments of learning as may be determined by its by-laws.

Section 3.  Said corporation may receive, hold, convey and use any estate, real or personal, necessary, appropriate or useful for its purpose, contract, sue and be sued, complain and defend in any court, make and use a common seal and alter the same at pleasure, make adopt and amend by-laws which shall fix the number of corporation members, regulate the election of trustees and otherwise provide for the government and direction of the corporation.  

Approved June 9, 1933."

Note: John J. Nilan was the Bishop of Hartford; John J. Ambot was a priest of Lithuanian ancestry working in the Diocese of Hartford.  Vincent Kulikauskas was the Provincial of the American Province of St. Casimir. John Navickas was rector of the college and high school, Rev. John J. Jakaitis was the religious superior of the Thompson religious house, Joseph Valantiejus was a priest in the Diocese of Hartford, Vincent Saulis was originally from Chester, Pennsylvania, and Allan Brosmith was the attorney for the Diocese of Hartford 

On June 13, 1933, Attorney Allan Brosmith hosted the first meeting of Marianapolis College, Incorporated. The first action was to pass the by-laws. At that point, the Provincial became the president and the house superior became the vice president.  Rev. John Navickas was elected secretary and treasurer. The Rev. Kulikauskas appointed Rev. Peter Biskis, a priest from New Jersey, as a trustee.

The corporation then purchased Marianapolis College’s premises from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Illinois Corporation. Rev. Vincent Kulikauskas and Rev. Joseph Maciulionis, the Provincial Secretary, signed the Quit Claim Deed. Note: Rev. Maciulionis was the first American citizen to join the Marians. In his later years, he was known as “Whistling Mac,” as he had breathing problems, and during morning meditation, his intake and exhalations sounded like a whistle.

Section 3 of the by-law was revised regarding debts, selling of its real estate or personal property “except pursuant to a vote especially authorizing such an act – adopted at a meeting of the Board of Trustees and approved in writing by the Provincial of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

In his report to the Trustees, Rev. Jakaitis highlighted that it was essential to build a dormitory and gymnasium. Although deemed essential, the dormitory was not completed until 1962 and the gymnasium was not completed until 1968.

On July 4, 1933, Marianapolis College celebrated its first Lithuanian Day picnic. The celebration was a whopping success. An estimated 6,000 people joined the celebration. The crowd arrived on a special train, on 45 buses, and in hundreds of automobiles, causing significant traffic on Routes 131, 12, 21, and 44, that inconvenienced many residents in the area. The festivities provided an opportunity to preserve Lithuanian culture and language, to contribute additional financial assistance to the School, and to develop the American Catholic Student Association. The lawn surrounding Carolyn Hall, the main school building, was lined with booths containing Lithuanian foods, beverages, products, crafts and games of chance. The visitors had the opportunity watch a play, participate in sporting events, listen to Lithuanian music, and enjoy Lithuanian dancing.  The Lithuanian picnic continued annually until 1970. Over the years, the crowds grew and waned, as Lithuanian immigrants moved into the area and those born in the United States left behind Lithuanian culture and traditions.

In the summer of 1933, Rev. John Jakaitis became the fifth Provincial Superior and moved to Chicago and Rev. “Doc” Navickas was elected house superior and he continued as rector of the college. 

On July 25, 1933, Marianapolis College placed its first advertisement in the “Darbininkas” (the Worker) indicating that the school would accept applications until September 1, with the new school year beginning on the Feast of the Birth of Mary, September 8, 1933.  Requirements included a grammar school diploma, a baptismal certificate, and the pastor’s recommendation.  The $300.00 tuition included room and board, books, and laundry, and the educational program aimed to preserve Lithuanian traditions, culture, history, and language. 

As the summer of 1933 unfolded, Rev. Navickas focused on obtaining more academic resources and creating a college museum. He continued to work on his 1931 commitment to catalogue 2,000 plus books.  After finding many areas deficient, he made public appeals for library books and donations for the college museum.  After the deaths, in 1932, of Rev. L. Kavliauskas, Rev. Peter P. Saurusaitis, and Rev. C. Caplikas, Marianapolis received their personal libraries. Rev. Saurusitis’ collection was extremely significant.  He was an author of Thirty Days in Lithuania in 1919, (available for free here), An Abridged Dictionary of the English – Lithuanian Languages, and a List of Lithuanian Family Names (all available on Amazon). Rev. Saurusaitis, the Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, also compiled, composed, edited, and reviewed many documents and articles for Lithuanian publications. 

For the college museum room, several Marian priests, including Bishop Bucys, donated items from their personal collections. Blessed Archbishop George Matulaitis’ two skull caps (Zucchettos) and handkerchiefs with the episcopal insignia, a fragment of the rock on which Our Lady of Siluva appeared, and a leaf from a shrub cultivated by St. Teresa of Lisieux were prized religious donations. Other early donations included a Palestinian crown of thorns, a Vatican coin collection, an Egyptian bird-shaped knife, a human skull, a fragment from the castle fortress in Trakai, Lithuania, pieces of amber, lava from Mt. Vesuvius, and miscellaneous collections of metals, shells, bird eggs, and stones.

On September 12, 1933, the school opened with seventy-six students, twenty-seven of whom were candidates for the priesthood. In addition to offering four years of high school and two years of college, Marianapolis College created its seminary department, with Rev. Peter Biskis joining the faculty to teach philosophy and Greek.  Other new members of the faculty included Rev. Adam Morkunas, Dr. Eugene Andrulionis, and Mr. Peter Barauskis. After teaching Latin and United States history for a few years, Mr. Barauskis joined the Marian Religious Community.  Other members of the faculty included Attorney Francis J. Bobblis, Mr. John Kendrtarvich, Mr. John P. Pilipauskas, Brother Anthony Ignotas, and Rev. Alexander J. Bublys.

During a September 26, 1933 visit with Bishop John J. Nilan, Rev. John J. Jakaitis received verbal permission to establish a cemetery at Marianapolis and permission to bless the new cemetery.  The cemetery was located east of the Italian gardens and the gazebo. (Note: In 1941, Rev. Dr. John Navickas would be the only one buried on the Marianapolis grounds.) 

During the 1933-1934 academic year, the administration, faculty, and students addressed students’ social life and extracurricular programs. Within the first few months, the Press Club consisting of approximately 60 members were correspondents and contributors to Draugas, published by the Marian Fathers; Darbininkas, published by the Lithuanian Workers Alliance; Garsas, published by Lithuanian Roman Catholic Alliance of America; Laivas, published by the Marian Fathers; Students' Word, and several regional and national English publications. Since the Laivas (the Ship) focused on faith and morals and tried to confront opponents to Catholic Social Teachings, the contributors, especially the seminarians, frequently referred to Quadragesimo Anno by Pius XI and Rerum Novarum by Leo XIII.

The Activities Club focused on the "Gaudemus" type programs. Gaudemus means “we rejoice” or “we take pleasure in.” Thirty-two students contributed their talents to the 1933 Halloween “Gaudemus” program, which included musical instrumental and song solos, speeches, poetry, a magic show, several choral renditions, humorous monologues, and interesting dialogues. 

For the February 13, 1934 early commemoration of the sixteenth anniversary (February 16, 1918) of Lithuania’s return to independence, the Activities Club members, accompanied by drums and trumpets, marched into the assembly room carrying the Lithuanian flag. Before the two-act play entitled “The Battle of Zalgiris” (Vytautas the Great’s 1410 victory over the invading Teutonic Knights), the presenters reviewed the historical background of Lithuania’s many struggles to achieve independence, and provided several poetic readings and a few piano solos.

Prior to Father’s Day becoming a national observance, in 1972, and after the United States held Mother’s Day on May 13, 1934, the Activity Club implemented a May 20, 1934 “Father’s Day” program. At the 3:00 p.m. celebration, the school’s orchestra greeted Bishop Bucys and the students’ fathers with a musical selection.  Then, Rev. Navickas addressed the guests regarding their special role in raising their sons in the Catholic faith. The students acknowledged their gratitude to Bishop Bucys for conducting their retreat. Several students demonstrated oratorical skills with poetry and speeches honoring their fathers (parents). After Bishop Bucys clarified the students’ lifelong obligations to honor their parents, dinner was served.

The Marian missionaries in Harbin, Manchuria and in China were grateful for the school’s establishment of the Mission Club. Brother Joseph Kuprevicius composed the mission statement for the club: “to pray for the souls in purgatory and to promote mission work by prayer and by material aid whenever possible.” Every Saturday, members would offer their Holy Communions and meritorious acts for the poor souls in purgatory.  The Mission Club members collected used and new postage stamps and put proceeds towards equipment for the missionaries. They also wrote encouraging letters to the Marian Fathers’ missionaries.

March 1934 brought the formation of a Biology Club. Tradition alludes that Albin Sheputa was one of the driving forces behind the club. Albin Sheputa would later join the Marian Fathers and serve as a biology, general science, introduction of physical science and earth science teacher at Marianapolis for more than 50 years. He passed away in 1999.

Of all the clubs, the Sports Club was immediately assigned a faculty moderator (athletic director), Mr. John Kendrtarvich with the express purpose of developing a football team, finding a coach, selecting a suitable site for the field, and appointing student managers. On October 15, 1932, a year earlier, the first interscholastic athletic contest took place between Putnam High School and St. Mary’s Preparatory School. The Putnam High School football team prevailed with a score of 6-0. Although St. Mary’s Prep scored their first touchdown against Nichols Junior College, they lost their second game on October 29 with a score of 13-6. On the November 24 Thanksgiving Day game, St. Mary’s Prep lost to St. Mary’s High School of Milford, Massachusetts with a score of 13-6. Brother Vincent Saulys was the “prime mover” in initiating a football team. The first coach was “Ham” Zazak, and the first team captain, Joseph Seniauskas, originally played football at Worcester Commerce High School.

During the second football season, St. Mary’s Prep struggled in the October 20, 1933 game against LaSalle Academy of Providence and the November 11 game against Worcester Trade School.  During the 1934 football season, St. Mary’s Prep would record its first wins.  After two initial losses, they won the four remaining games.

During 1933-1934, the Sports Club established an intramural basketball league, and an intramural bowling league that began on January 14, 1934. Although Brother Anthony Ignotas was appointed to field an interscholastic basketball team in 1934, the process was not completed until 1938.

Similar to the football team, St. Mary’s Prep fielded their first baseball team in 1934. By the spring of 1934, Mr. John Kendrtarvich hired John “Rocky”” Rakauskas, a star athlete at St. Francis College, Pennsylvania, in football and baseball as the new baseball coach. The Sports Club arranged a raffle with proceeds designed to purchase new baseball uniforms. The first contest was held on May 4, 1933 against Tourtellotte High School. St. Mary’s Prep won the lopsided contest with a score of 14-4. Two games against Putnam Trade School and Putnam High School left St. Mary’s Prep with a 2-3 season. They played all but one game away, and achieved a 4-5 record.

Prior to the baseball season, Very Rev. Andrew Cikoto, the new Superior General of the Marian Fathers, conducted a General Visitation of Marianapolis. In April 1934, the school had seventy-one students, ten faculty members, and ten employees working in the kitchen or laundry room. During Very Rev. Andrew Cikoto’s visitation, Bishop John J. Nilan died on April 13, 1934. Very Rev. Cikoto, Bishop Bucys, and Rev. Navickas were the celebrants for the three Masses celebrated at the school for the Bishop.  

(Note: Bishop Maurice F. McAuliffe would be the next bishop of Hartford.)

(Note: A few years after his term as Superior General was completed in 1939, Servant of God, Rev. Cikoto was appointed Archimandrite and Apostolic Administrator for Manchuria, to work with the Eastern Rite Catholics. In 1948, the Communists arrested him, accused him of espionage for the Vatican and inciting the people against the Soviet Union. The Communists sentenced him to 25 years in Siberian forced labor camps. Until his February 13, 1952 death, Rev. Cikoto continued his priestly ministry to the prisoners, and was an inspiration to other priests and laity. His beatification process began on May 31, 2003.)

As the visitation continued, Very Rev. Cikoto observed that the income from the school and farm were not sufficient to cover the school’s expenses. He was not surprised to find that many students were on financial aid, paying less than half of the published tuition. He was impressed that on Friday and Saturday afternoons the Marian priests would depart to provide assistance in parishes in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts and return late Sunday afternoon or evening to continue their teaching responsibilities on Monday morning. During the summer, the priests would give fundraising talks in parishes and cultivate benefactors to enhance the school's facilities and reduce the deficit spending. Rev. Navickas was not surprised by Very Rev. Cikoto’s concern with the school’s library and science laboratory. Although $21,000 had already been spent in the last three years to improve the school’s facilities, both needed a significant influx of cash to address the Superior General’s concerns. 

On June 7, 1934, the neighboring Howe-Marot Junior College (located southeast of the campus on Route 21 and Thompson Road) had a gymnasium fire. Around 11:30 p.m., about a half-hour after the fire started, several students left the dormitories to help control the blaze. Unfortunately, after three hours, the volunteers were unsuccessful in saving the building, but were successful in preventing the fire from destroying other parts of the Junior College.  

The June 10, 1934 graduation was far different from graduations of previous years. Parents were invited to the commencement exercises. Joseph Guadanavicius and Stanley Aleksandravius honored the celebration with the “alleged first” salutatory and valedictory addresses, respectively. Rev. Casimir Urbonavicius spoke to twelve high school graduates, four junior college graduates, their families, and friends. He also conferred the diplomas.  

Following graduation and throughout the summer of 1934, the administration focused on increasing enrollment and improving the school’s financial status.

The school had a moderate growth of its student body from 76 in 1933 to 82 in 1934. The key increase was the almost doubling in size of the junior college enrollment to thirty-two students. Although the school was only beginning its ninth year, the administration and the Marian Fathers began asking key questions: “Is the school sustainable?”  “Can the school anticipate a normal growth in resources and students?”  “Are there enough Lithuanian elementary schools to provide male students?”  “Will Marianapolis be able to follow its specific educational philosophy and achieve normal growth?”   The administration used Sister M. Gabriella’s study, which indicated Massachusetts had 16,615 Lithuanian elementary school children. Despite the effects of the Depression, the administration and Marian Fathers believed that there were sufficient candidates for increasing enrollment.

Due to hospitalization at St. Vincent’s for his first in a series of heart attacks (October 26 – November 23, 1934), Rev. Dr. Navickas was absent from the third annual benefactors’ meeting on October 28, 1934. The benefactors celebrated the 25^th anniversary of the renewal of the Marian Fathers. The history of the Marian Fathers from the Congregation’s beginnings through the 1909 renewal to the present was the highlight of the celebration. With Rev. Navickas’ hospitalization, some benefactors pondered the impact of his absence from the school. As rector, Rev. Navickas provided a strong, dynamic, inspiring, calming, and energetic leadership.

When Rev. Navickas returned, he approved the official establishment of a Drama Club. During Lent, the club provided performances at nine different Lithuanian parishes in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The fourteen-member cast performed the Lithuanian play entitled "Iskeikimas," which is sometimes translated as “Curse.”  The play promoted the Lithuanian culture, traditions, and history. The play sought to create a greater awareness of the school, encourage financial support for the endeavor, and recruit potential students from the Lithuanian churches. The Lithuanian priests’ organization supported this endeavor. The organization was concerned that the Lithuanian immigrants and descendants would be absorbed into the American culture, and their unique Lithuanian identity would be lost. At various times in the Lithuanian history, Poland, German, Sweden, White Russia, and Russia have absorbed the Lithuanian people and their land.

Marianapolis’ student and alumni publications continue to have a cyclic dynamic. The publications have strong initial interest. Then, the participation, criteria, philosophy, leadership and/or interest begins to wane. Then, the publication is reduced to one or two individuals that are reporting, editing, researching, gathering, seeking advertisers, publishing, and receiving criticism concerning the content. Then, the publication is suspended, disbands, or simply ceases to exist. After a few months or longer, another publication with new title is resurrected and the pattern continues.

In 1934, the “Students’ Word,” the publication of the Lithuanian Student and Professional Association, followed the pattern. The publication had a few areas of concern. First, they incurred a $600.00 debt. The readers did not pay their dues, and the publishers struggled to obtain advertisers. With dues not being paid, the non-paying readers began criticizing the editors’ choices. At that time, the editors preferred articles with strong Catholic content and only accepted articles that were written in Lithuanian. Thus, any article that was written in English was automatically rejected. In December 1934, the magazine was suspended; but, in February 1935, a committee was formed to obtain financial backing under Rev. Joseph Vaskas, a first-year English teacher. After a hiatus of about a year, the “Students’ Word” had a February 1936 issue.

The highlight of the February 16, 1935, Lithuanian Independence Day program was Rev Charles Jenkus’ two-hour lecture on the “Divine Comedy” and Dante’s life. Rev. Jenkus later donated a marble Dante’s bust, a few tapestries, renderings, and extensive library to the school. The presented collection is in storage at the Marians’ religious house.

During the 1934-1935 academic year, a pressing issue for the students was whether “the children of Lithuanian parents should be proficient in the Lithuanian Language.” In February, a debate was set up to address the issue. Three representatives from each point of view were chosen to defend their perspective. The key point was “what does proficient” mean, and thus, the team that was the proponents of the negative won the debate. The debate contributed to the rationale for accepting three non-Lithuanian students in 1938.

On February 4, 1935, Rev. Dr. Navickas met with the Lithuanian Priests League of New England. The League promised financial and moral support of the construction of a new dormitory at Marianapolis. Several years passed, and insufficient funds were raised. Thus, a compromise took place, and, in 1939, the Gladding’s Estate (presently Lord Thompson Manor) was purchased. The Marians moved into the main house. The students moved into the stables, West Cottage and Salvo Cottage. After the working farm was discontinued, the construction of the “new” dormitory was again postponed. However, St. Joseph Hall was remodeled and dedicated in April 1957. The “new” dormitory (St. John’s Hall) was not begun until December 1961, partially inhabited in September 1962, and not dedicated until May 1963.

On March 9, 1935, the thirteen-member Marianapolis Glee Club was broadcast over WAAB radio station in Boston. The club sang several Lenten hymns, and the radio station

received many positive responses to their programming.

In March 1935, the process began to publish the first yearbook. With Stanley Grafas, the class president, as editor, the yearbook staff produced a 54-page yearbook, with an additional fourteen pages dedicated to advertising.

The Introduction was provided by graduating senior and editor, Albin Sheputa, who later became a Marian priest and longtime science teacher at the school. He wrote:

Izanga

Siandie diplomais nesini zengiam i platu pasauli, i nauja mums taip svetima ir nezinoma gyvenima. Mokyklos suole praesisto dienos taip nelauktai ir nesulaikomai prabego ir nebegris

Sia knyga beruosiant musu vienintelis tiksla buvo iamzint tas prabegusias mokyklos dienas, kad veliau vartydami siuos lapus mes vel galetumem, nors mintyse pergyventi tas laimingasias Marianapoly praleistas valandas.

Zinodami savo tikslo pasieke mes jausimes pilnai esa atlyginti uz ideta triusa sia knyga beruosiant

Approximate translation:

Introduction

With these diplomas, you are now entering a wide world, a new life so foreign and unknown to us. The days of the past on the school bench were so unexpectedly and unstoppably over and over.

The sole purpose of preparing this book for us was to shorten those past school days so that we could flip through these sheets later, albeit in our minds, to relive those happy hours spent in Marianapolis.

Knowing we have achieved our goal; we will feel fully rewarded for the entire labor in publishing this book.

Additional insights from the first yearbook will be in the next article. Guess who received the yearbook’s dedication. What was the class of 1935’s last will and testament left to the school? What were the predictions or prophesies for the graduates?

1935 “First Time Events”

Our last installment ended with the following questions: Who received the yearbook’s dedication? What was the class of 1935’s last will and testament left to the school? What were the predictions or prophesies for the graduates?

The yearbook was dedicated to Rev. Dr. Jonas Navickas. The approximate translation of the testament was as follows:

“We are students of the fourth chapter, who are already preparing to part with our precious Alma Mater, in full consciousness, with a clear mind, long and proper deliberation, making and serving this will, describing our previous desires (if any) and passing them on to our narrators.

1.     To our esteemed Rector, Fr. Dr. J. Navickas, and his guardian, Fr. J. Vaskevic, who led and cared for us during the storms and difficult hours of life and whose support and dedication helped us to achieve our goal, we leave our sincere wishes, thanks, and warm love.

2.     We leave to our teachers all our impenetrable marks and all the unfinished punishments.

3.     For the current third form, we are leaving our most precious property - Vytautas Park and all the translations of Virgil, which you can make good use of.

4.     For the second form, we leave our good will and all the books, paper and pens we have left behind.

5.     For the first form, we leave permission to torment all newly arrived next-year students and a billiard room where you can learn to play.

Students in Fourth Form”

The predictions were set in the popular form of a séance with the pictures interspersed. (Approximate translation from Lithuanian)

“Predictions or Prophecies

As we read books, we find about the powerful prophets Isaiah, Elijah, and Elisha, who conquered the world through their prophesying. Today I am also trying to prophesy.

In my room, red reflections of a flame of fire are shining. Myriads exploded in the hearth, and flame’s tongues licked burnt bricks. There is a candle on the table and incense smokes next to it. There are two big black cat eyes in the corner. Images came one by one before my eyes. Unconsciousness. But... these are scattering a fog… Images become clear...

Some personalities are clarified through the transparent smoke of incense… It is... Eduard Bulevicius, an honorable person of the fourth chapter, who is true in time, that although he is a four-legged man, he can be famous. And Napoleon was a child. Eduard says that in 1950. The manager was awarded the

highest-grade medal by Bradley Theater in Putnam, Connecticut, because in four years in Marianapolis he learned to be its chief governor. Besides, he also mentions the strange fact that the seats on the second balcony are softer and better than all the others.

Eduard's image disappears... A new stubborn man breaks up... This is Mikas Bigenis, a youth who has made world class friends. Unfortunately, he lets them down. He is a brother-monk of the Marian Congregation, working as (porter) doorkeeper at my old Alma Mater... Looking around — the same images, the same meadows, and the same oaks sway through the beautiful vista.

As if touched by some invisible hand, the beautiful view disappears and I find myself in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania on its dirty streets. A big leather store is in front of me and appears "Jonas Jurcikonis." While living at Marianapolis, John caught skunks and sold their pelts. So, still in school, he knows how to

catch skunks and tries to make a living. Unfortunately, he did not succeed because Pennsylvania’s skunks are not as beautiful as Thompson’s skunks. And again I see a new image. John is already the Mt. Carmel city newspaper editor. And much greater success awaits him here.

Somehow, I didn't feel close to New England. The sea water smells. The soot towers of Worcester are already black. I fly my airflow Chrysler on an uneven road. I ran out of air in the tires... there... Knowles gas station. That is, my former colleague, Pranas Nevulis, runs a gasoline station. He has little work to do because his work is done by children. It only provides information and free air for anyone who just visits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Iskeikimas” Actors

 

When I fill the tires, I fly on. Brockton... Montello... Campello... Dance... Sheputa’s Melodians... cries advertisements. Albin Seputa's dream comes true. He so wanted to have his own orchestra and be its conductor! Albin is already married and playing cornet solos. I hear somewhere far away the echoes of Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony," which slowly bridges and finally disappears into the city.

Everything disappeared. I sit alone by the fire again. In the corner the cat is not restless, a bell is flashing on the table... I lean closer to the fire... I am stunned by the smell of burning sides and incense... And new images are reborn again.

I sat and waited. A man appears in front of me in white clothes. This is Jonas Petkus. He graduated from several famous colleges and obtained several doctorates. And since 1949, he has been a professor at Marianapolis.

Suddenly my ears are deafened by a terrible palpation and thud. Dairaus. Estrada... Come on, Mikas Tamulevicius is boxing for the world championship. Knockout... Mickey won... Duration, music... Finally, everything slowly disappears, calms down and a new image emerges.

Antanas Dranginis, our most adorable friend, has a long beard, a missionary somewhere far away in thick brown robes (clothes). Together with him Teodoras Kazlauskas and Leonardas Gylys. They were very kindly received because the savages are always very kindly received by corpulent missionaries.

The sounds of the organ are unclear. Echoes of Chopin's march are heard ... The sounds come close and clear and the player himself can already see. Bronius Voveris. He graduated from the Paris Conservatory of Music and now plays the organ in Brockton, Massachusetts.

The sound of music was not felt when I was standing in front of me with a new creature. The elegant ruby, a great personality, fascinated me. I didn't know at first that it was our exemplary John Grenda. The priest was promoted to be the bishop a few years later. The bishop was acknowledged for his success in converting Lowell and Lawrence's ignorance to Catholic faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billiard Room

The image changed into a huge, full of various flowers warmed. The smell of hyacinths, mimosas and orchids spread to my room. The always cheerful Jonas Kacevicius is moving among the flowers. He is the foremost caretaker of Marianapolis Greenhouses. He now has his own greenhouse in Providence, Rhode Island. About it revolves around a half-dozen children. These are John's future followers who are learning how to care for flowers from an early age.

The exploding flame brightened the room and the image disappeared.

High Brocton skyscrapers are flying. And still new ones are emerging. They are being built by Pranas Skeivis, who has just graduated from Brockton and started the craft. Unfortunately, not always happily laughing. She and Prana got together. I ran out of work. Prana does not remember and looks boldly at his future, and his future is bright.

And again in Pennsylvania. Du Bois. Hairdresser. On the door: "Jonas Mikelionis." Well, John is doing the haircut. He introduced a new fashion; he gives a hat to everyone he cuts.

In the distance, the mountains turn blue, the meadows green, and the charcoal-covered Pennsylvania patches blacken. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Here lives Stasys Grafas, who graduated from Marianapolis is now back in Pittsburg, where politics took place. In a few days, he was elected Mayor of Pittsburgh.

Later, he was elected the state governor of Pennsylvania.

In my vision, Boston Common is beautifully green. The dead people are flashing, the crowds are floating, and the unemployed are lying on the bench... There are only a few unemployed people left, because the city is ruled by Jonas Nanartavicius, and his familiar and good friend Juozas Lukosevicius has been appointed his assistant. The Boston under their control rises like a yeast.

Suddenly a child's roar is heard. Whitewashed school walls and hundreds of children around. A

black-and-white teacher is standing on the school stairs. Eduard Einoris. He teaches at Athol’s school. He was later destined to return to his Alma Mater Marianapolis and study Latin.

Again you can see the green gardens of Marianapolis. Something whitens among the trees. "White Tower," which was built by Juozas Overka. He sells Ezys bouncing hamburgers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orchestra

Unexpectedly, my vision begins to fade and hide in the incense smoke. Too soon I barely have some obscure personality. The contours of the face are not clear. Suddenly, though vaguely, sounds are heard. The essence is a powerful and quick speech. A... It's me, Juozas Liolia. I don't want to believe that I am myself, and I look forward to the fire and look forward to what my vision will show. But... everything gradually disappears and disappears.

The last tongue of fire is extinguished by trembling, only the burning glows evenly. A beautiful sparkle exploded and a burning candle went out on the table... The room was dark, only the green eyes of a black cat twinkled in the corner. I will quietly concentrate as I sit and wait for my prophecies to come true.”

Juozas Liolia '35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Façade

 

Reading Room Garden in Bloom

In addition to the first yearbook being published, when the three-act tragedy entitled “Malediction” was performed in various parishes, Rev. Joseph Vaskas or Rev. Adam Morkunas urged the audience to purchase “bricks” for the new Marianapolis dormitory. In spite of the economic conditions, the 21 member class of 1935 was the first to obtain school rings and the first to graduate in caps and gowns. The Baccalaureate Mass was held outside, followed by dinner and a 3:00 commencement. The five honor roll graduates that maintained a 90 average over four years received monetary awards. The high school graduates were the first class to complete all four years at Marianapolis. The junior college had nine graduates.

The first summer school program ran from July 1 to August 15 with Lithuanian, Latin, Greek, Lithuanian History and Lithuanian literature as the primary offerings.

1935-1936 – The Tenth Anniversary Year

The 1935-1936 academic year opened on September 5, 1935, with an 82-member student body, and new faculty including Rev. John Vosylius, Rev. Anthony Svedas, Rev. Vincent Cizauskas, Dr. Joseph Raymond, and Mr. Jerome Ryscavage.

The second yearbook, entitled Audra (Storm), has Jonas ‘John’ Grina ’36 pondering what the year meant to the graduating class. Grina writes:

“Shakespeare has a saying that "the whole world is a stage and people are actors." So, our life at Marianapolis was a four-act drama with a good dose of comedy (it is true that sometimes the sisters of tragedy appeared). We started the final year. Everyone is excited to see our last act.

At this time, the Board elected: P. Venslauskas, chairman; S. Saplys, vice chairman; J. Grina, secretary; and J. Stankus, publisher. After Venslauskas resigned a few months later, Saplys took his place.

Winter brings Christmas vacation and then melting snow. After Christmas, we prepare for the beginning of play practice. The end of the year approaches. The months move slowly. Then spring arrives.

The ground is finally drying up. It is the bright morning of the fourteenth day of June. Today we will be distinguished from all four corners of the world. Where will we be next year? Maybe we will rejoice together again at Marianapolis.

As beautiful, as interesting and fun. It is the director of the College’s tenth year, and the tenth year of the College’s existence. Our days of joy at Thompson are now over. One chapter of our lives is over, with many happy hours written. Those pages will never again open before our eyes, but we will remember everything, the most varied images of life will pass through our eyes. Then, again, we will be happy.”

Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Jonas Navickas mused about how to keep Marianapolis solvent. He yearned for an increase in enrollment, greater financial resources, improved faculty, an enhanced library, up-to-date science laboratories and suitable facilities and fields for athletic events. He was frequently heard saying that with a million dollars, he could solve all of the School’s problems. He wrote in the February 1936 Student Word:

"The best and most fundamental manner of financial assistance is this: if each Lithuania colony would send two students to the College and pay for their board, room and tuition, Marianapolis College would immediately be established on a firm and permanent foundation.

With a heavy heart I must mention this sad fact: very often the friends of the College recommend for enrollment students who are unable to pay even for their food. And yet when enrollment at college is considered for young men of Lithuanian extraction who are endowed with financial means, these same "friends" recommend that they attend older colleges of greater prestige, forgetting that these colleges, too, had to live through a formational stage."

Rev. Dr. Navickas yearned for the full support of the more than three hundred Lithuanian priests, more than one hundred Lithuanian parishes and many Lithuanian organizations, but much of the Lithuanian community was focused on their own financial situation, the European situation, their relatives in Lithuania and the maintenance of Lithuanian independence. Although the Congregation of Marian Fathers accepted the responsibility for publishing the Lithuanian daily, the Draugas, and the administration of Marianapolis, the religious community was promised and expected more support from the Lithuanian community in the United States.

The graduating class in their yearbook acknowledged Rev. Dr. Navickas’ dedication as they wrote:

“Leaving Marianapolis, we have many fond memories and many cherished faces. One of you with the brightest memories, one of the most precious faces will always stay with us. It is the personality that has shaped the souls of our youth, who has led us on the true path, and whose example we will be able to follow on the winding path of life.

Rev. Dr. Jonas Navickas has always been a good caretaker for us. We were close to him, understood and loved. We thank him today and we will be indebted to him forever.

To express our gratitude for his dedication and efforts in bringing us through these four happy years of our lives to a brighter tomorrow, we dedicate this book to our beloved director and educator. Rev. Dr. Jonas Navickas was commemorated during his tenth anniversary.”

The 1936 yearbook reflected upon the 10-year history of the School from its conception, the dream, the reality, and its struggles. The yearbook section was entitled “10 Years.”

“What an interesting coincidence. We are finishing our decade at Marianapolis High School in the tenth year of its existence. It is said that exactly ten years ago, the first Lithuanian high school for children in America was established. It is true that its emergence needs to be traced much earlier, because the leaders of our society have long understood the needs of children of the Lithuanian community. They clearly knew that only their own higher education could raise a new generation that would be neutral against the ideals and desires of their parents. The issue of one's own college is covered in newspapers, discussions are held at rallies, and finally, a certain "Lithuanian College Foundation" is established. This was still before the Great War. Unfortunately, the Great War is brewing, Lithuania is in danger and at the same time appears in the field of freedom. All this distracts American Lithuanians from their own cause, and they direct all their forces to Lithuania. And it was only after Lithuania regained its independence that the American Lithuanian Society returned to its own cause.

One of the most important obstacles to setting up a college fund in the run-up to the establishment of the dream college is that there is no one to take care of that college.

All eyes turned to Marians of the Immaculate Conception, recently established in America, and full of energy and determination. In their most important tasks, they focus on Lithuanian spiritual affairs. They decided to take this demanding work on their shoulders. Here, the Marian province of Rev. Felix Kudirka and Rev. Dr. Jonas Navickas. One of them will die, and the other, Rev. Dr. Navickas, still has this heavy burden and responsibility.

The beginnings of Marianapolis College can be traced back to Hinsdale, Illinois.

In 1926 Archbishop George Matulevicius, Marian General, arrived in the United States and officially established the Marian Hills College, with Rev. Dr. Navickas as the first rector. Education took place on the premises of the novitiate. Only ten students attended the first year. However, the established College also grew. The existing premises underwent a transformation. A new building was needed. As most of the students from the Eastern States came to the school, it was decided to move east. That mission was assigned to Rev. J. Jakaitis, then still the pastor in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the current Provincial of Marians. The College moved from Hinsdale, Illinois to Thompson, Connecticut. Marian Hills College became Marianapolis College.

The southern façade of the College.

The Marianapolis College in Thompson was officially founded in 1931, which was renamed St. Mary's College. The temporary General, Marian Bishop, Peter F. Bucys, dedicated the college on September 8, 1931. On June 9, 1933, St. Mary's College was incorporated by the state of Connecticut on behalf of Marianapolis.

The college already lived through ten of the most difficult years, as the beginning of every project is always the most challenging. During this decade, Marianapolis gave a lot to American Lithuanians. From the very beginning of its establishment, it sought to protect the Lithuanian nation in America from nationalism and demigods, to prepare national and religious societies for it, which would become the dominant force in all public life and raise the religious, national, and economic understanding of the whole of the fate of the Lithuanian self-government in the states. And for ten years she has been pursuing that goal. We know that we are always working towards that goal.”

East Facade of the College

The 1936 yearbook continued to evolve from the 1935 yearbook. This year the editors included a diary of important dates:

In September

6 - Solemn Start. The new school year begins with the Mass. There were a few old friends, but now a few new, unfamiliar ones.

8 - Olympic Games. Almost all students are involved. One of our classmates - Jurgis Juodelis - wins a silver medal for the most points. The first meeting of the Felix Kudirka Student Council takes place in the evening.

10 - Football practice begins. There are forty candidates on the field, including three from our class: Akstinas, Juodelis and Balciunas.

19 - Mr. Simutis gives a lecture on the First World Lithuanian Congress in Kaunas.

21 - The first meeting of the art section.

23 - Admission for newcomers.

24 - All students listen to “Louis and Baer”. Footballers lose to LaSalle Academy, Providence, Rhode Island.

29 - College evening. There was a lot of laughter and sweets.

October

5 - Footballers play against Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

11-13 Columbus Day vacation.

12 - Football players play against Ware.

13 - All students return from vacation. In the evening, a commemoration of the succession of Vilnius by Poland.

19 - College footballers play against Nichols Jr. College.

22 - Several students suffer from "baldness".

23 - The first lecture of Rev. P. Strakauskas: "The Call of Life".

25 - Footballers play against Providence College.

27 - Remy College Convention. Fifty delegates are present.

November

1 - All Saints. Free.

2 – All Souls Day. Half day free.

3 - The sixth level has their own party. Very interesting. Two guys from Waterbury entertain us by playing the accordions.

9 - The last football game. We won over Mt. St. Charles Academy.

10 - Armistice Day. Free.

12 - After P. Strakauskas' second lecture.

17 - The first snow fell. Peacefully!

27 - Thanksgiving Holidays.

December

3 - Everyone returns after Thanksgiving.

8 - Free day.

10 - Rev. P. Strakauskas' third lecture.

11 - End of the first semester. Hard examinations have begun. Miserable!

21 – Examinations are over. Great!

22 - We are preparing for the Christmas holidays, and we are waiting for Christmas Day.

25 - Christmas. Without laughter, Christmas Day arrived, and many gifts were distributed.

January

6 - Let us get back to work. Vae victis (woe to the conquered? [Latin]).

8 - Honorable guests from Lithuania come to the College – Rev. Dr. Razaitis, Professor of Vilkaviskis Seminary.

9 - The fourth lecture by Rev. P. Strakauskas.

10 - The actors in the drama “Hidden Gems” begin their rehearsals.

18 - Record! The fourth class’ “gaudeamus" was the longest and perhaps even the best pastime of the day. The comedy “No Money” was particularly successful. (Note: “gaudeamus” is a song and celebration emphasizing the shortness of life and the challenge to “seize the day.”)

20 - Free day.

21 – Last lecture by Rev. P. Strakauskas.

February

1 - The Sobriety Program.

6 – Bishop J.E. Matulionis visits the College and speaks to the priests and the students.

7 - Free.

12 - Lincoln Day. Free.

16 - Lithuanian Independence Day. Free. In the evening, students travel to Worcester, Massachusetts, to complete the program.

21 - 26 - I have a holiday.

23 - Worcester, Massachusetts has started a parade route.

March

1 – Actors perform in Nashua, New Hampshire, and in the evening in Lowell, Massachusetts.

3 - The sixth- and fifth-chapters’ Debaters win on Saturday.

4- St. Casimir Day - Free. 8 - Actors perform in Norwood, Massachusetts, and in the evening in Providence, Rhode Island.

15 - Actors perform in Boston, Massachusetts.

18 - Flood. Uuuu...

19 - St. Joseph Day. Free.

21 – Actors perform in Gardner, Massachusetts.

22 - Actors perform in Brockton, Massachusetts.

29 - Actors perform in Waterbury, Connecticut.

April

1 - The baseball season has begun. Forty athletes, and a respectable number of candidates.

4 - The choir went to Boston, Massachusetts to sing on radio W.C.O.P.

5 - Actors perform in Hartford, Connecticut.

8 - 21 - Easter holidays.

19 - Actors perform in New Haven, Connecticut and New Britain, Connecticut.

24 - Let us win a baseball game against Putnam.

25 - Another victory against Nichols Jr. College.

26 – Actors perform in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Worship on the porch on July 4th

In the 1935-1936 academic year, the theater, drama, orchestra, and choirs were more important than sports in enhancing the Lithuanian culture, traditions, and values. For the February 16th celebration of Lithuania’s Independence Day, the tragedy “Lithuanian Heroes” was performed by Jonas Grina as Jadvyga; Julius Stankus as the Lithuanian officer and Pranas Balciunas as the Lithuanian officer. The play was not only performed at the school, but was also performed before thousands in Worcester, Massachusetts.

During March and April, the Marianapolis actors, musicians and singers traveled to New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to perform the Russian comedy “We are Paupers” by Turgeniov and the morality play “The Hidden Jewel (Gem)” by Cardinal Wiseman about the temptations of daily life. The Marianapolis orchestra and choir provided the musical interludes. Over two months, ten Lithuanian colonies hosted the productions in their parish halls.

"The Hidden Jewel" (1935-1936)

Future teacher and headmaster, Stasys Saplys '36, wrote the introduction to sports and reviewed athletic endeavors for the yearbook. He wrote:

“Our motto is power, courage and justice. What are the various obstacles in our lives, if there is young blood flowing in our veins, if our desire has energized our youth, if our hearts are unbreakable, and if we go to overcome that obstacle armed! What causes us to get motivated! We will disarm the people of justice, enslave the brave animals, and force the barricades on all of us.

We learned justice at the school desks and drama and power on the sports fields. We knew and know that sports were not and cannot be our only goals, but we also believed and believe that a healthy body could produce a healthy, agile, and powerful spirit. So, we went to the sports fields to form a support for the most beautiful creation - our souls.

In four years, we learned to understand life at the school desks and to feel it on the sports fields.

How happy we are!”

Marianapolis Baseball

“Time was running at an extraordinary rate. Four years is such a fleeting time, but at the same time such a prolonged period in a person’s life. True, we did not believe we descended the mountain during those four years, but we did.

It is not our first-time finishing school, but finishing Marianapolis High School makes us feel completely different in our hearts. Yes, it seems, and you want that fourth year to start and stop in at least a few months, even a few weeks. Unfortunately, that does not stop us from running out of time! And these common days of our lives will soon begin and end; let us go out into the world each to ourselves. In Marianapolis, we leave not only a well-educated, researched character, but also a weaker body. Not only did we work on the lessons, but we also did not forget that the Romans used to say “Mens sana in corpore sano.” (A healthy mind in a healthy body)

It is not easy for a school to excel in higher education, and it is not easy to stand out in the field of sports. Many tried, and put in the effort, but not everyone was athletically successful. Finally, those who succeeded in making the teams had challenges, and put forth much effort in competing against other schools. Yet, not one was frustrated, not one was frightened and not one fled because they were competing for Marianapolis. Many of us are pleasantly mentioned and celebrated today.

The most popular and longest-running sport at Marianapolis is probably the game of baseball (translated from Lithuanian as projectiles). The school has already created an athletic team, which from the very beginning turned out to be one of the best in the area. In our classes, Balciunas and Akstinas were the first pioneers of Marianapolis baseball. Balciunas participated in that sport for four years. He was not the most popular player, but he performed well with his efforts. Akstinas has only been playing for two years, but it has been an abbreviated time to perform well, especially in recent years. As an athlete, he received a participation letter, and he is expecting a scholarship.

Besides, our class also had its own competitions, which competed against other classes and won very often ... In the second year, we won the game against the much older students from the college department. That year, Saplys was the best in the game. In general, the best players in the game are: Akstinas, Balciunas and Saplys.

The following year, our team was the best in the high school. This year it was clear that Akstinas, Saplys, Balciunas, Duksta and Ilkevicius were the dominant players in our class.

The class also wanted to know who the best in billiards was. A billiards tournament was held for the first time. J. Jodka and S. Saplys remained for the final game. The last game took place on Sunday afternoon. After a long and intense game, it turns out that Saplys is the best billiards player in the class.

In the autumn of 1932, all Marianapolis students enjoyed the introduction of football. In the past, we could only be jealous of watching others play, we could listen to their exploits, but we could not boast of our own exploits or even play football. Now there is an enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the school - it will not be long, and we will be able to enjoy our team and be proud of it. Here we find representatives of our class: Balciunas, Akstinas and Juodeli. Balciunas has been involved since the introduction of football, Akstinas later joined. Juodeli started attending last, as he arrived late to Marianapolis. All of them appeared in the most games.

In college, football is booming. Interclass teams have formed. Of course, our class was not last, but we lost most of the games.

How nice it is to bowl with everyone

Winter. The blowing snow forced slowed down our play on the sports fields. But it did not let the young student down. Besides, we had a new set of games. There is a bowling league, hockey, and the billiards tournament. The focus is on the pins. In our bowling league, our class’s bowling team was the first to enter. This is Stankus' Falcons. We were in first place from the beginning and to the end, because the Dukata-led team won in the last place. Bravo! As you read - in Lithuanian or Hebrew- we are the first. Venslauskas scored most points with Didaiaisia's pin setting.

At the end of the fourth year, we can enjoy not only scientific knowledge, but also a strong, healthy body. I have a beautiful soul and interior support.”

In May, Marianapolis hosted the Forty Hours Devotion with visiting priests. Rev. Anthony Petraitis led Evening prayer and Rev. John Balkunas preached the sermon. On the second night, Rev. John Ambotas was celebrant. On the third night, the clergy, faculty, students, and staff paraded with the Blessed Sacrament around the half mile circumference of the main law.

The ten-year anniversary celebration began on June 3, 1936, with a specially prepared dinner, followed with speeches given by Rev. Alexander Bublys on behalf of the faculty and representatives from each class. The Master of Ceremonies was Joseph Meksraitis. The second day of the celebration began with a 10:00 A.M. solemn High Mass with Rev. Navickas, assisted by Rev. John Balkunas and Rev. Joseph Aleksiunas. Rev. Casimir Urbonavicius preached. After the Mass, the faculty, invited guests, benefactors and virtually all the Lithuanian priests of New England enjoyed the meal in the dining hall. As master of ceremonies Rev. Joseph Vaskas read the congratulatory messages from Lithuania and from the United States. The speeches that followed compliment Rev. Navickas and the Marian Fathers on their accomplishments. Dr. Joseph Raymond responded for the faculty and Rev. Alexander Bublys responded for the Marian Fathers.

On a rainy June 14, 1936, Rev. Joseph Vaskas was the celebrant and preacher for the baccalaureate Mass. Rev. John Navickas welcomed the family and friends of the graduates. Julius Stankus delivered the high school valedictory address and John Sakocius delivered the junior college valedictory address. Rev. Augustine Petraitis awarded the diplomas and Mr. Peter Dauzvardis, the General Consul of Lithuania delivered the graduation address. Rev. Navickas challenged the ten high school graduates and fifteen junior college graduates “to be true to your Church and your national origin. Do what you were taught to do at Marianapolis, and you will bring joy to your parents and to all your fellow nationals (Lithuanians).”

1936-1937

On August 18, 1936, Marianapolis College and Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary began a 17-year collaborative arrangement where the Sisters were responsible for the food service. Traveling from Lithuania, Mother General, Sister Mary Teresa, accompanied the five sisters responsible for the commitment. The sisters were: Sister M. Augustina (Anna Navickas), Sister M. Aloysa (Anna Saulys), Sister M. Apolonia (Mary Pacevicius), Sister M. Consolata (Angela Paplauskas), and Sister M. Tarcissia (Helen Navickas). Since Archbishop George Matulaitis (Matulevicius) founded the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception on October 15, 1918, in Marijampole, Lithuania, the Marian Fathers provided an opportunity for the Sisters to begin their ministry in the United States and Canada.

After completing their 17 years of service on June 14, 1953, the Sisters, at the request of the Lithuanian clergy and laity, expanded their ministry to assisting elderly and ill Lithuanians. This ministry gradually transitioned from Thompson to Putnam and included building and administering the Matulaitis Nursing Home. Also, in Putnam, the Sisters developed a retreat center, hosted Lithuanian picnics, and provided spiritual direction.

As the 1936-1937 school year began on September 9, the Marianapolis administration was aware that, since 1931, the Polish Government had closed the 16th century Lithuanian University in Vilnius and several professors were willing to travel to the United States to teach at Marianapolis College. Rev. Dr. John Starkus, the former director of a secondary school in Seinai, Lithuania and Rev. Dr. Alphonse Jagminas, M.I.C. joined the faculty. The eighty-six students that started the year were primarily from Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Although a $6,130 balance at the end of the 1936 fiscal year was recorded, the financial situation was deceptive and the funds were restricted. Of the $6,130, $6,000 were for the design and construction of a new dormitory and $130 were stipends for the Marian priests to celebrate Masses for the donors. Realistically, with no surplus funds for the beginning of the 1936 - 1937 fiscal year, the financial situation continued to be precarious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Dawn” – The Journal of the Fourth Year of the Marianapolis High School 1937

According to the Marianapolis High School Yearbook “Ausra” (Dawn), the following calendar reflects noteworthy events:

September:

9 - We started the new school year with a solemn Mass.

11 - The first day of study. Our eleven are five old faces and six new ones.

11 - Football practice has begun. There are fifty candidates, including one of our classes: Jonas Puscius.

12 - Olympic Games.

14 - First Fr. Felix Kudirka Student Commission Meeting.

18 - Rainy. We won the game with Putnam.

19 - First meeting of the press club.

20 - Free day.

25 - Football players lose to Dean Academy, Franklin, Massachusetts.

30 - Admission for newcomers.

October:

3 - Game with Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.

5 - Rev. Dr. Jagminas arrived and taught Latin to the Marianapolis students.

10-12 - Most of the students living closer to the school went on vacation.

17 - Game with Rhode Island State freshmen.

20 - Rev. Vaskas returns from Montreal, Canada.

24 – “Bonfire Rally”. Fun and spirit.

25 - Football players against their old rivals at LaSalle Academy, Providence, Rhode Island.

27 – Returning from traveling around Europe Rev. J.J. Jakaitis, Provincial of the American Province.

30 - p. V. Language Lesson.

1936-1937 Football Team – Note: The football team had a very competitive schedule and on October 25, their only win was against LaSalle Academy by a 6-0 score. (*Sub note: - Rev. Petrauskas’ First Fifty Years did not acknowledge the inconsistencies between his book and the record indicated in the yearbook’s calendar where it indicates a win over Putnam – possibly a scrimmage). To prepare for the game, Coach “Rocky” Rakauskas, Assistant Coach Jerry Ryscavage, and each member of the entire team spoke at the bonfire rally. The October 26, 1936, Providence Journal sports headline read: Marianapolis Halts LaSalle Run Of Victories 6-0. The detailed article followed:

"Men of Marianapolis realized a long-cherished ambition yesterday afternoon as their team slipped over a 6-0 defeat to LaSalle Academy's Maroon Juggernaut before a good-sized gathering at the first Sunday schoolboy football game ever played in Rhode Island… The result broke a 16-game winning streak for LaSalle."

"The game was only a couple of minutes old when "Tony" Akstin, rugged Marianapolis center, broke through to block a punt and followed the ball to fall on it in the end zone."

"In fact, the visitors were so good that they had three downs left and the ball less than a foot away from LaSalle's goal when time interrupted play at the end of the first half."

"Marianapolis was both big and smart, and it had a backfield combination which was studded with three stars - Gus Petraitis, Joe Zalionis, and John Mikelionis. The passing combination of Petraitis to Zalionis and the slashing drives of Zalionis and Mikelionis provided the stoutest opposition LaSalle has run up against this year."

"The inspired Marianapolis combination played through with only one substitution while LaSalle made 17 substitutions."

Approximately four thousand spectators attended the event. Rev. Dr. Navickas was so impressed that he declared October 26 a school holiday. On Monday morning all football players were served breakfast in bed with a copy of the Providence Journal.

Unfortunately, the football team’s success was shattered on November 6 when they played the Providence College Freshmen football team. After crowding into the back of the 1.5-ton truck, they traveled to Providence and were soundly defeated by a 50-0 score.

November:

1 - All Saints' Feast.

2 – All Souls Day.

6 - Game with Providence College.

11 - Armistice Day. Free.

13 - Unfortunate accident in the game with St. John's Prep.

20 - The new chapel for the Immaculate Conception Sisters is consecrated.

25-29 - Thanksgiving.

December:

8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Free.

11 - The guest, Rev. J. Maciulionis arrived.

14 - End of the first semester.

15 - First exams. So, Sad!

22 - End of exams. Thank God!

23 - Christmas holidays.

January:

6 - We return after the holidays.

7 - The billiard match begins.

17 – Ice skating or ice hockey.

27 - "A decade ago, the bright religious and cultural light of the Lithuanian nation, the great personality of the nation, the precious son of our nation and the Church — Archbishop J. Matulevicius of the 19th century — quietly went out to heaven."

30 - Koristas sang on the radio, WCOP, Boston, Massachusetts.

February:

5 - In the auditorium, the actors performed "Volunteers".

6-10 - I am on vacation.

11 - A game of billiards between Janusonis and Puscius. Wins Puscius.

12 - A. Petraitis (College) v. J. Puscius (High School). Wins Puscius.

14 – “Volunteers” was performed in Brooklyn, New York.

21 - The acting troupe begins its practice for the comedy "Sykstuolis" and drama "Naslaitis" and the sets are under construction.

22 - Washington's Birthday. Free.

28 - Actors perform in Waterbury, Connecticut.

The orchestra accompanied the actors and performed between acts and during intermissions.

March:

4 - St. Casimir's Day.

7 - Sykstuolis and Naslaitis are performed in Hartford, Connecticut.

13 - Mr. Pranckus is elected Secretary of the Plenary Assembly.

14 - Actors performed in Norwood, Massachusetts, and Brockton, Massachusetts.

19 - St. Joseph. Free.

23 - English language exams.

25 - Easter.

April:

5 - We return after the holidays.

11 - Participating in the consecration of a Lithuanian school in Providence, Rhode Island.

17 - Opening of the baseball season. Game against Pomfret, Connecticut. We won.

18 – Five days of Folk festivals at Marianapolis and a meeting of the preparation for the participants for the July festivities.

Baseball 1937 Note: On April 17, 1937, Marianapolis opened against Pomfret and won 6-5. However, Pomfret had eight errors while Marianapolis had only five errors. In addition to the usual opponents, New Britain High School in Connecticut and Cranston High School in Rhode Island were two new public schools added to the schedule. Although Marianapolis had eight scheduled games, the season’s record was four wins and three losses.

May:

2 – Regional Winged Troupe Art Finals - Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts.

5 – Skeet shooting against Dean Academy. Win 13-5.

6 – Holy Ascension.

9 - Mother's Day. Respect for students' parents in college. Beginning with lunch, an interesting program.

14 – Game against New Britain, Connecticut. We won.

16-18 - Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. Beautiful celebrations, worship, procession on the campus.

30 - Memorial Day. The end of science. Exams.

Prior to the February 16 celebration of Lithuanian Independence Day, Rev. Dr. Navickas proposed a second phase to raise funds for the building of a new dormitory. If 100 donors contributed $100 between February 16, 1937, and February 16, 1938, he would have a groundbreaking ceremony for a new dormitory on February 16, 1938. By June 4, 1937, he had 41 contributors, of which 28 were Lithuanian priests. By February 16, 1938, the goal was achieved and 101 contributors pledged $100.

The next significant event was provided by the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut. On April 28, 1937, by Special Act No. 163, Marianapolis College was authorized to grant both Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. In two years, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ernest W. Butterfield, anticipated recommending similar legislation for Marianapolis College to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The document reads:

"Marianapolis College, located in the town of Thompson, through its division, The Marianapolis Junior College, shall have authority to confer the degrees A. A. (Associate in Arts) and A.S. (Associate in Science) for the successful completion of studies usually comprised in a fourteen-year curriculum. Such authority shall be exercised only on condition that the curriculum and character of work of said junior college shall be approved by the state board of education. - Approved April 28, 1937."

Retroactively, Marianapolis College awarded Associate of Arts degrees without examinations to 22 graduates and former graduates. An additional 30 students had the opportunity to qualify for an Associate of Arts degree with the proviso that they pass an “examina rigorosa.” The students were provided the opportunity to attend Marianapolis’ summer school session.

To prepare to inaugurate the college programs leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in September 1937, Rev. Dr. John Navickas appointed Rev. Dr. Alphonse Jagminas as the Dean of the Bachelor of Arts program and Professor Jerome Ryscavage, M.S., as Dean of the Bachelor of Science program.

As the 1936-1937 academic year drew to a close, both the high school graduates and the junior college graduates each prepared a separate yearbook. The high school yearbook was published and was similar in style to the 1935 and 1936 yearbooks. The content was written in the “flowery” Lithuanian of the time, while the junior college yearbook was written mostly in Lithuanian, in a more “homey” style, with sections of “tongue in cheek” humor, with about two out of the 12 pages written in English and published on a mimeograph. The high school yearbook was entitled “Audra” meaning “Dawn”, while the junior college yearbook was entitled “Aidas” meaning “Echo”.

We would like to thank Fr. Timothy Roth, MIC for his tireless work on translating these yearbooks from Lithuanian to English, as he continues to work on the full history of Marianapolis for the Centennial celebrations in 2026. We will pick up with Aidas in the fall

 

 1937-1939

In 1937, Marianapolis College enrolled fourteen students in the third year, but the total enrollment for the high school and college dropped by ten students to a total enrollment of seventy-six. 

After receiving directives from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Rev. Dr. John Navickas implemented a hundred-dollar donation program by one hundred donors. By the Lithuanian Independence Day celebration on February 16, 1938, one hundred and one pledges were received. In the April 5, 1938, article in “Darbininkas” (Worker), Rev. Dr. Navickas wrote:

"Just as every growing and expanding educational institution has problems, so does Marianapolis. The most urgent current problem confronting Marianapolis is the need for new physical facilities. The Connecticut State Department of Education and pedagogical correctness require that there be a physical separation of the high school and college departments of Marianapolis. Also, suitable dormitory facilities are necessary. If the students are to be pressured into performing their learning chores adequately, they must be provided with suitable living and learning facilities.”

“Since our college is organized on idealistic rather than business principles, the board and tuition fees are kept at a minimum. This fact does not permit the expenses of physical expansion to be paid for from operating income. So, we are completely dependent on the generosity of the public for the financial support of our capital improvements.”

“Our appeal of last year for one hundred donors to donate $100 each by February 16 of this year was oversubscribed and additional donations are expected.”

“But the needs of Marianapolis should be the concern not just of those who can donate one hundred dollars. It should be the concern of all Lithuanians. Even the smallest donation is most welcome. Incidentally, it was the volume of smaller donations that made it possible to establish Marianapolis." (Translated from the Lithuanian by Rev. John Petrauskas).

Rev. Dr. Navickas appealed to Lithuanian families for a twenty-five-dollar contribution. After publishing an artist sketch of the proposed dormitory, the June 10, 1938, issue of “Darbininkas” described the facilities as being 112 feet long and forty feet wide with an estimated cost of $100,000.00. The four-story structure would have the dormitory on the third and fourth floors with classrooms, science laboratories, offices, and a visitors’ room on the first floor. Eventually, the basement would have the dining facilities and kitchen. 

After being authorized by the Lithuanian Catholic Priests’ League of New England, several Lithuanian parishes had collections for the Marianapolis Building Fund. After three years, the fundraising was extended until sufficient funds could be raised. The funds would be redirected in September 1939 to purchase the Gladding’s Estate.

On September 8, 1938, ninety high school students enjoyed the traditional opening ceremonies. However, on that day, Mr. Malloy, Mr. Bergen, and Mr. Meczywor broke the exclusive Lithuanian student enrollment. The first two were of Irish extraction, and Walter Meczywor was of Polish extraction. When the non-Lithuanian students matriculated, the Marianapolis football team (0-6) discovered they had lost their language advantage and plays could no longer be called in the Lithuanian language. Of the original three non-Lithuanian students, Walter Meczywor graduated from Marianapolis Junior College. 

The faculty also had a notable change. Only four Marian priests were on the 12-person faculty. For the first forty years of Marianapolis’ history, the priests and religious brothers normally outnumbered the lay faculty. 

On September 21, the school was surprised by the 1938 hurricane. The Great New England Hurricane (a.k.a. The Long Island Express Hurricane, or the New England Hurricane) began off the coast of Africa on September 9. As it moved up the eastern coast of the United States, the hurricane reached a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Fortunately for Marianapolis, by the time the hurricane reached Long Island and southeastern Connecticut, the hurricane was downgraded to a Category 3. Nevertheless, for six hours, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the hurricane devastated the campus. When the winds hit campus, they ranged from 95 to 130 miles per hour.

After evaluating the safety of the students and faculty, Rev. Dr. John Navickas’ sent the seniors to Thompson Hill homes to give aid to the families. Classes would not resume until October 6, fifteen days after the hurricane struck. 

On the main school building, the north wing lost its copper roofing. The water tower lost its tile roof. The roofs of the dormitory and two cottages were also damaged. The west wing of the greenhouse collapsed. The roof of the science building was destroyed. Although the chicken coop was plucked off its foundation, the coop was salvageable. A silo was upended and destroyed. When the hay barn collapsed, several pieces of farm equipment were damaged. Various sections of the grape arbor collapsed.

The college seniors from the Smitville-Cedar House (a.k.a. Cedar Cottage, presently White House), under the direction of Joseph Remeika, traveled to the science laboratory and retrieved a small generator. Although the science laboratory was only a half mile away, the seniors had to travel about a mile dodging fallen and uprooted trees, debris from several buildings, and fallen electrical and telephone lines. With the small gas generator, they had enough power to light the electrical bulbs in each room and one electric radio. For several days, the Smitville-Cedar House had the only electricity on Thompson Hill.

The following morning the Marianapolis Community could not believe the devastation throughout the campus and the surrounding woods. Immediately, the entire school community began opening the roads, cutting fallen trees, unblocking the school’s roads, assessing the damage, and evaluating the essential needs, especially for water and food. The most critical aspect was water. Fortunately, the water tower was full, but with ninety students plus faculty, staff, and animals, the water would be critical in ten days to two weeks. Fortunately, on October 2, the school obtained a gasoline-powered water pump from Worcester. The school community was thrilled when the electricity was restored on October 6, and the gasoline water pump was no longer essential.

Since the hurricane hit on a Wednesday and the roads to Thompson Hill would not be opened for three days, food supplies grew critical quickly. Fortunately, the school’s farm, greenhouse, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, root cellars, chickens, pigs, and cows supplemented the deteriorating food supplies. The main staple for many days was eggs in a variety of styles. At one point, a Friday meal was hot dogs and onions.

The Putnam Patriot reported in its September 24, 1938 issue: "Damage from wind and rain on Thompson Hill will reach inestimable proportions. Homes were moved from their foundations; roofs were torn from homes and the steeple of the Congregational Church crashed to the street. Falling trees on the common crashed through houses, broke windows and piled the highway high with debris. It was nearly two days after the storm subsided that traffic could pass through the village - but many streets are still unpassable." -"Putnam Patriot" (Vol. LXVI, No. 38, Sept. 24, 1938)

For several days, Rev. Alphonse Jagminas, with several students, a tractor, and pulleys, uprighted about sixty silver trees. Unfortunately, their work was undermined by the next wind and rainstorm. Virtually all the trees were permanently lost. During the following spring, the students planted about three hundred trees to countermand the impact of the hurricane.

Nine days after the hurricane, Rev. John Vaitekunas, President of the Benefactors of Marianapolis, appealed for volunteers and donations. Two carloads of St. Casimir Church’s parishioners in Worcester arrived with appropriate tools. Fallen trees were cut up, tree stumps were removed, and roof repairs were mended. 

By October 6, the Marianapolis Community enjoyed the restoration of the electrical service, but it would not be for another week before the telephones and rail service would be restored. 

By October 25, $151.00 in donations were received for building repairs. Rev. Navickas announced at the annual October 30 Marianapolis Benefactors meeting that the Great New England Hurricane’s damages amounted to $50,000.00.

The impact of the 1938 hurricane was evident until the early 2000s when several lopsided trees had to be removed for safety reasons. 

Due to the September 21 hurricane, the football team’s opening game was postponed by four days to September 28. Due to the cleanup efforts and the poor condition of the field, the team had limited practice time and also had to adjust to calling the critical audibles in English. Per usual, the football team did not have the home-field advantage. All games were played away, and transportation was a one-and-a-half ton flatbed truck with stake sides. The players would pile into the back of the truck, and the captain would drive to the game. On November 3, the football team was scheduled to play the Trinity College Freshmen. Unfortunately, the truck had mechanical problems. Although they arrived in Hartford as the sun was setting, during the second half, darkness forced the game to be canceled. That season, Marianapolis was winless (0-6) and only scored five touchdowns for the entire season.

After several years of intramural and pick-up basketball games, John “Rocky” Rakauskas opened the nine-game season with three straight wins over Tourtellotte High School (42-33), Putnam High School (64-20) and LaSalette College in Hartford (24-22). “Jerry” Andriulionis was captain. On January 20, 1939, Norwich Free Academy handed the team its first loss.

According to rumors, if Marianapolis would play Becker Junior College at the Commerce High School gymnasium, Rev. Dr. John Navickas was guaranteed $25.00. The January 25, 1939, game ended with a seventy-seven-point differential, with Marianapolis scoring thirty-four points and Becker scoring 111. After the great start, Marianapolis only won one more game. 

By January 1939, funds were allocated to repair the greenhouse. The cost was $1,300.00. Meanwhile, the federal government was offering $10,000.00 for lumber rights for the uprooted trees in the Marianapolis woods. Cutting the trees into boards cost $6,000.00, with Marianapolis netting $4,000.00.

In early January 1939, the Connecticut State Board of Education indicated that they would permit Marianapolis College to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees with a caveat that if Marianapolis College did not grant degrees for two years in succession, the permission would be removed. Before the proposal was presented to the CT General Assembly, the caveat was eliminated. The May 2, 1939, Special Act NO. 200 reads: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: Marianapolis College, Thompson, Connecticut, shall have authority to grant such diplomas and certificates as are customary in institutions of education and to confer the degree of 'Bachelor of Arts' and 'Bachelor of Science,' provided the curriculum and character of work of said college be approved by the state board of education.  Approved, May 2, 1939."  

Meanwhile, on January 22, 1939, five graduates and one former Marianapolis teacher were ordained in their third year of theology to the priesthood by Bishop William O’Brien, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago in the Marian Hills Seminary Chapel, Hinsdale, Illinois. In the future, both Rev. Joseph Dambrauskas (1946-1950) and Rev. Peter Barauskas (1951-1952) would serve as Marianapolis high school directors. The Congregation of the Marian Fathers’ educational institutions now ranged from high school through major seminary. 

After enrolling three non-Lithuanian students in September, the school’s leadership offered to educate local day students on the high school level for $50.00 and the college level for $100.00. The Putnam Patriot (Vol. LXVII, No. 14) on April 6, 1939, reported: 

"The opportunity for the students of the towns of this section to receive a college education at a low cost is being offered by Marianapolis College in Thompson. The offer came to light at the monthly meeting of the Thompson Board of Education last Thursday when the chairman of the board, Alexander Maitland, announced that the college officials would accept students of the Town of Thompson for a fee of $100.”

"It was later revealed that this offer is made to all young men of the area at the same price....”

"Under the offer, the students could attend college as day pupils for the stipulated fee or they could attend the high school course at Marianapolis for half of that sum. The Thompson College, according to Superintendent Buckley, is an accredited college and has been granted the power by the State of Connecticut to grant both B.A. and B.S. degrees."

At the time of this offer, Marianapolis had ninety students. The earlier exclusive Lithuanian barrier had been breached. Fourteen years later, the 1953-1954 viewbook would omit "of acquainting students of Lithuanian parentage with the language, literature, history and traditions of Lithuania by presenting a complete program of Lithuanian culture." In that year, Marianapolis Preparatory School would become an American and international school.

The 1939 baseball team’s record was not available.

Right Reverend Monsignor John Ambot of Hartford conferred fifteen college seniors their Bachelor of Arts degrees, nine junior college graduates their Associate of Arts degrees, and twelve high school graduates their diplomas. Professor Kazys Pakstas, a professor of political economics and geography at Kaunas University, delivered the commencement address. Rev. Dr. Joseph Vaitkevicius, Rector of Marian Hills Seminary, was celebrant and homilist at the Baccalaureate Mass. Paul Sabulis gave the valedictory speech. The Lithuanian Consulate of New York acknowledged Paul Sabulis and Anthony Dranginis (college), Felix Kenslavicius and Frank Jaskus (junior college), and John Klebauskas and Francis Gvazdaukas (high school) with book awards for their scholarship. Eight of the college seniors became priests.
 

In July, after receiving his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Angelicum University, Rev. Dr. Joseph Vaskas was appointed Director of Marianapolis High School. 

 

 

After the July General Chapter in Rome, Rev. Dr. John Navickas remained as rector of the college but was appointed Provincial of the Marian Fathers’ American Province. 

            

1939 – 1941 – The Purchase of the Gladding Estate, Stations of the Cross Project, Rev. Dr. John Navickas’ farewell speech, and Rev. Dr. Joseph Vaskas appointed College Rector and House Superior

After the July 1939 General Chapter in Rome, the first two major changes took place in July with the separation of the administration of Marianapolis High School and Marianapolis College.  The Rev. Dr. John Navickas, the Provincial of the American Province, and his Provincial Council appointed Rev. Dr. Joseph Vaskas as Director of Marianapolis High School, and Rev. Dr. John Navickas was compelled to continue as rector of Marianapolis College.  Rev. Dr. John Navickas also relinquished duties as the St. John the Baptist’s house superior and appointed Rev. Dr. Joseph T. Pauliukonis as house superior. In addition, Rev. John Vosylius (English), Rev. Peter Malinauskas (mathematics), and Rev. Vincent Andriuska (religion) were transferred from Marian Hill Seminary and added to the faculty. 

The school year began with eighty-one students, including three students from Lithuania.  In September, the high school students elected Joseph Brazaukas as their president, and the college students elected Peter Aiksnoras as their president. 

After the death of her husband, John Russell Gladding, in 1932, Mrs. Ellen Gladding had a codicil in her will that indicated that the Gladding’s Estate, their summer home, be sold within five years of her death.  Mr. Gladding was associated with the Arnold Hoffman Company of Providence, Rhodes Island.  The company bought and sold industrial chemicals.

After Mrs. Ellen DeForest Gladding’s death on May 3, 1939, the executors and the Industrial Trust Company put the Gladding’s Estate on the market.  Rev. Dr. John Navickas was elated, but he had a slight dilemma.  He had been collecting funds for a new building, but now, he could purchase one. If the Gladding’s Estate could be immediately purchased, most of the buildings could be used immediately with little modification. If he broke ground for a new building, the project would not be available for two to three years, and with World War II beginning, would the funds and materials be available.

The Gladding’s Estate, 92 acres in all, included an 18-room mansion, a large garage, a horse barn with attached residence for the caretakers, a substantial sized dog kennel, a dog pond, two cottages, and the Barrodale farm. 

In 1918, the mansion was built as an English Manor with a stucco exterior. It had east and west sun rooms, a dining room, a great room, a living room, a butler’s pantry, a library room, a sewing room, a kitchen, a kitchen pantry, a servants’ dining room, four servant rooms, a 24 by 27 foot master bedroom with a wrap-around shower, Mrs. Gladding’s bathroom with a tub/shower combination, two guest rooms with baths, a substantial attic, a large patio and a large basement recreation room with a slate pool table, darts, two sitting areas, and a large wood burning fireplace.  The master bedroom, the master’s study, the two guest rooms, the visitor’s parlor, great room and dining room all had coal-burning fireplaces.  The Wedgewood blue dining room’s fireplace had a blue-gray marble front.  The great room’s rose color vaulted ceiling had a dark red or burgundy marble exterior.  The light-yellow visitors’ parlor had a complimentary goldish hue marble exterior. Gum wood panels, trim, cravings, and arches permeated the main halls, main stairway, and the great room.  Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park, designed the grounds.

The horse barn had four stalls and a birthing stall.  The slate-roofed barn had a huge hay loft with a pulley system to store the hay.  The kennel could house about sixteen dogs. The cottages were available for caretakers or additional guests.

On September 28, 1939, Marianapolis College purchased the Gladding Estate without the Barrodale farm and the house’s furnishings for $30,000.00.  However, Rev. Dr. John Navickas had a possible publicity nightmare brewing.  He had collected money for a new building and had indicated that groundbreaking would be imminent.  Thus, he needed to explain the rationale for the change of plans to the benefactors.  Thus, he published the following article in the “Darbininkas” newspaper on October 10, 1939.

"For years, the Marianapolis administration has been concerned with the building of additional facilities. Crowded living conditions hampered both the learning process and the provision of suitable living conditions. For this reason, a building fund was instituted.

"The estimated cost of the proposed new building, providing only the most necessary facilities, amounted to more than $100,000.  With the outbreak of the war in Europe, the cost of building materials skyrocketed; some materials increased in price by as much as fifty percent. The cost of building at this time would amount to approximately $140,000.

"Since the Gladding property was just across the road from Marianapolis, and since it was able to satisfy the most pressing needs of Marianapolis and since the property was available at a reasonable price, the Provincial of the Marian Fathers and the Marianapolis College Administration decided to purchase the bulk of the property.  His Excellency, Bishop Bucys, gave his approval and on September 29 - the feast of St. Michael - Marianapolis College purchased the spacious estate for the purpose of providing educational facilities for Americans of Lithuanian extraction.

"At some future time, Marianapolis High School will be located on this property and then there will be a physical separation of the high school and college facilities which the Connecticut State Department of Education insists upon.  The purchase of the new property has solved temporarily the urgent problem of comfortably housing the Marianapolis students.  It is evident, however, that the purchase of the new property will in no way solve all the problems of the expanding college.  There still remained a need for a new building with adequate classrooms for the college department.

"I wish to take this occasion to express my most heartfelt thanks to all of my good friends who so generously donated to the college fund-raising program, and I wish to convey a special expression of gratitude to Mr. John Ramanauskas who donated his life's savings for this worthy purpose.  In appreciation, the college administration has decided to honor this most generous donor by naming the new estate "Ramanauskas Hall."

On October 15, 1939, Rev. Dr. John Navickas held a dinner for all donors to the Marianapolis Building Fund, especially for John Ramanauskas.  Attorney Anthony Miller, Mrs. Julia Jakavonis, Mr. John Ramanauskas, and Rev. Dr. John Navickas, the Provincial Superior and Rector of Marianapolis, gave speeches at the gathering at Marianapolis.  The Gladding Estate’s mansion was officially named “Ramanauskas’ Hall” and formally blessed by Monsignor John Ambotas on October 19, 1939.  Ironically, within a year, the name “Ramanauskas’ Hall” quickly reverted to the Gladding Estate or Gladding Hall and the name “Ramanauskas Hall” was last used in 1954 when referring to Savio’s cottage on the estate.

After the renovations were completed, Ramanauskas Hall became the residence for the Marian Fathers and teachers.  In 1946, the school began converting the horse barn, including the loft and the attached residence, to a student dormitory with prefects.  Savio’s cottage would be used as a dormitory.  

(Note) In the 1980s, the cottage was sold to Charlie Paquette.  In 1990, the rest of the Gladding Estate was sold to Jackie Sherman and Associations and is presently operating as Lord Thompson Manor.  During the 1990s, Lord Thompson Manor sold the horse barn and kennels to Charlie Paquette.  

Gladding Mansion (front)

Gladding Mansion (back with patio)

  Back Patio (facing east)

Gladding formal garden

Sacred Heart Statue outside the chapel

Gladding’s Chapel

Gladding horse barn (stables located from north of the mansion)

Horse barn from Savio Cottage

Savio Cottage (east of the horse barn and northeast from the mansion

After the last two seasons with only one victory, the Marianapolis football team had a new coach, Joseph Ranieri.  The assistant coach was Eugene Andriulionis.  Jerome Andriulionis was the captain and Benjamin Saldys was the primary receiver.  On October 19, 1939, the football team notched a 13-7 victory over the University of Connecticut freshmen.  On October 27, 1939, the team racked up a 19-7 victory over Wentworth Institute. The Marianapolis records only indicate a perfect season with two wins.  If Marianapolis had other opponents, the results were not available. 

In January 1940, Rev. Dr. Joseph Vaskas, the Director of the High School and Vice Rector of the College, was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Villa Parish in Chicago.  The Superior General assigned the pastor, Rev. Michael Urbonavicius, to duties in Rome and Lithuania.  Thus, Rev. Peter Malinauskas, the French teacher, became the Director of the High School, and Rev. Vincent Andriuska was assigned the French classes.  John Petkus replaced Joseph Ranieri on the science faculty.  At the time of Joseph Ranieri’s January departure, he was coaching the basketball team.  No results for the basketball team were available.  For the 1940 baseball season, the team recorded two losses to Putnam Trade School.  The scores were 11-8 and 10-2, respectively.  

Prior to the canonical visitation (Note: During the Superior General’s six year term, he is expected to make a formal visitation of each house in the religious community.  He will then write a protocol recording the present situation, the membership and make recommendations and decrees to enhance the community life,and  the apostolate) of Marianapolis from June 7 to June 22, 1040, from April 26 to April 30, 1940, Bishop Peter Francis Bucys, the Superior General, visited Marianapolis to evaluate teachers, the courses, and their content.  He found the teachers proficient in their educational pedagogy and class content.

 In 1940, the high school graduated nine, the junior college graduated seventeen and the college graduated nine.

At the time of the official canonical visitation that was supposed to take place twice during the Superior General’s six-year team, the religious house consisted of Very Rev. Dr. John Navickas, five priests, five Marian lay brothers (men that have taken the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the Marian Fathers Congregation), one postulant (aspiring to enter the novitiate year) and two lay associates (“viri aggregate”.)

Bishop Bucys was thrilled with the purchase of the Gladding Estate since it addressed the overcrowding mentioned in the 1937 General Visitation Report.  However, the economic situation of the school was still a major concern.  The tuition was inadequate to cover the expenses.  The school income was $32,619.14.  The combined enrollment totaled seventy-nine of which fifteen were aspirants to the religious community.  The thirteen faculty members were delineated as seven Marians, five lay teachers, and one non-Marian priest.  Only eleven of the faculty members had degrees.

Bishop Bucys recommended to the Director of the High School and Rector of the College that instructors should continue to teach the same subject unless there was a good reason to change, that students should be punished for missing class without sufficient reasons, that teachers should not be allowed to skip class.  He decreed that incompetent students were to be denied a diploma.  Furthermore, any formerly professed Marian, who had  been secularized, may not be employed as an instructor (Canon Law 64, #1 and the Marian Constitution 444, #2). He also left guidelines for promoting the Christian education of the students.  Bishop Bucys composed a six-page Latin document entitled “A memorandum for Educators and Students” which provided the educational rationale for Marianapolis College.  The major headings were:

1. What the students should know.  

2. What the instructors should ponder, reflect on, and accomplish. 

3. Collaboration of parents and school.  

A sample reflection from the first section: "Parents and instructors can provide a youthful studentwith food, clothing, shelter, and learning, but they cannot make him good.  Goodness is acquired only by one's own efforts."

A sample reflection from the second section: "The instructors should teach the students to harmonize their American and Lithuanian patriotism.  It is not necessary that the number of stars in the American firmament be increased, yet it is not harmful for the stars, singly and together, to shine more brilliantly in the reflection of foreign planets.  First and foremost is American patriotism to be inculcated; Lithuanian patriotism should complement and perfect the American patriotism.  Hatred and vituperation of any nation whatsoever is completely to be excluded in the educational process of this institution."

A sample from the third section: "Parents who cooperate with their sons in finding fault with the instructors, injure primarily their own sons as well as themselves and they also frustrate the good efforts of the school".

 On July 14-15, 1940, the Lithuanian Americans’ interest in Marianapolis moved to the international situation.  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics began its occupation of Lithuania.  Rev. Dr. Navickas noted that virtually all the Lithuanian Americans were concerned with their families, relatives, politics, war, loss of independence, economic needs, and overall situation in Lithuania. 

Every three years, the Provincial and his Council appointed or renewed the priests and brothers’ assignments.  On July 19, 1940, Rev. John Jancius was appointed Vice Rector and Religion instructor.  Rev. Anthony Ignotas was assigned to be an English teacher.  However, Very Rev. Dr. Navickas wanted to strengthen the knowledge and wisdom of Marianapolis’ faculty.  Thus, six priests were freed from their responsibilities to pursue graduate degrees. 

Rev. Adam Morkunus matriculated to Catholic University in Washington, D.C., to pursue a history degree. Rev. Vincent Andriuska began his studies at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, for a Theology degree. Also, at Laval University, Rev. Andrew Naudziunas and Rev. Michael Smigelskis pursued Philosophy degrees.  Rev. Francis Aukstakalnis studied at Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a Mathematics degree and Rev. Vincent Cernis went to DePaul University in Chicago for a degree in science. 

On August 7, 1940, the school community was surprised to be informed that Frank “Duke” Diksta, high school class of 1936, was the first Marianapolis alumnus to pass away.     

Before the beginning of the 1940 academic year, the Marianapolis catalog appeared in English and not in Lithuanian.  The Marianapolis High School and College Catalog listed the members of the Board of Trustees, the administration, the faculty, admission requirements, available sports, course descriptions, and tuition with board, room, and laundry fees.  For college students, the all-inclusive tuition was $375.00, and for high school students, the tuition was $320.00.

The catalogue promoted Marianapolis College’s educational plan was designed “that as a student rises in the realms of knowledge, he learns to approach, slowly and surely, more closely to the greatest of teachers, his Creator.  And in the last analysis, it is the strength or lack of character by which men rise or fall.”

The catalogue acknowledged that the Department of Education of the State of Connecticut had approved Marianapolis College.  Furthermore, the catalog stated that the College was affiliated with Catholic University in Washington, D.C.  In The First Fifty Years by Rev. John Petrauskas, MIC, he could not find evidence supporting the affiliation.  

Due to the small numbers, the admission requirements were lax.  If a student successfully completed eight grades of a grammar school, the student was able to matriculate.  If a student had “proper academic credits” and was in good health, he was granted admission to the college. 

On the college level, to receive an Associate of Arts degree, the student must have successfully completed a minimum of 70 semester hours credit and for an Associate of Science degree, a student must have completed a minimum of 75 semester hours.  The catalog did not clarify the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree or Bachelor of Science degree.  (Note:  15 bachelor’s degrees were conferred in 1939, 9 in 1940, 4 in 1941, 3 in 1942, and 2 in 1943 – a total of 32 Bachelor of Arts degrees and one Bachelor of Science degree in the five-year existence of Marianapolis College).

In September 1940, with the enrollment of eight students from the towns of Thompson, Pomfret, and Putnam, the ethnically diverse population consisted of 87 students. 

The 1940 football season began with another new coach, Vito Ananis, the history and mathematics teacher.   The team’s record was five wins and two losses.  However, the team was strengthened by fifteen players that received athletic scholarships.  Coach Ananis’ schedule was challenging.  He taught in the morning, coached in the afternoon and practiced with the Boston Bears, a professional football team in the evening.  Marianapolis’ defense was outstanding, limiting opponents to a total of 22 points all season and scoring 109 points.  The team defeated St. John’s Prep of Danvers 13-0 for the first time and the losses were to the Boston College Freshmen and to Seton Hall Prep.  

In 1940, Rev. Dr. John Navickas invited the award-winning Lithuanian author of the novel “Valentina” to teach Lithuanian literature at Marianapolis and he accepted.  Prior to the invitation, the author was the Lithuanian diplomat to the Holy See. In December 1940, Antanas Vaiciulaitis assumed his teaching duties. (After teaching at Marianapolis, he continued his studies of American and English literature at Fordham, New York.  He taught French and French literature at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania.  For twenty-five years, he worked at the “Voice of America” in New York and in Washington, D.C. 

Note:  Translated from the Lithuanian Summary

 “A. Vaičiulaitis' only novel "Valentina" was published in 1936. This novel won the Sakalo publishing house prize.

"Valentina" is a delicate love story, close to I. Šeinius's "Kuprelius" in its natural background and impressionistic depiction. There is no clearly defined place and time in the novel. The place of action - in the church villages of Kirbynė - is not a geographical place, but only a literary background. The features of the period (the times of the dictatorial regime in independent Lithuania) are not analyzed in the work. This retreat from a specific place and defined time in the novel is not considered a weakness, but a transfer of psychological reality to a more ideal aesthetic plane. That psychological reality - the unfolding of young people's first love and its demise - are the elements that make "Valentina" timeless. In the novel, A. Vaičiulaitis shows the beauty of the inner world of young people, admires the nature of Lithuania.

"Valentina" is one of the most outstanding works of aesthetic realism in Lithuanian literature. It has a place in our literature as a unique manifestation of the global trend of those times - modernism.

Antanas Vaiciulaitis from the 1980s

For 1940-1941, Vito Ananis the football coach, became the basketball coach.  Unfortunately, his football success was not mirrored in basketball.  Alas, the team had only two wins and six losses.   

To enhance the Lithuanian spiritual heritage, Rev. Dr. John Navickas established a committee on March 7, 1941, which included Rev. Joseph Valanticius and Rev. John Vaitekunas.  The committee created and sent out an appeal for finances to build outdoor Stations of the Cross at Marianapolis.  Within a month, five of the fourteen stations had pledges to cover the cost by donors.

The proposed design included a three-foot foundation on which the chapel-like station would stand fourteen feet in height and eleven feet in width.  Each station would have a five-foot nook with appropriate three-and-a-half-foot statue figures.  Each station would have an eight-foot wooden cross with Lithuanian folk art.  On the top of each station would be a bronze cross and on the side a brass donor plate.  The station would have crushed stone at its base and the station would be built with tufa stone from Erie County, Ohio.  Tufa stone is a variety of limestone formed by minerals from petrified swamp growth from unheated lakes, rivers or streams.  In the 1940s, Ohio’s only deposit of tufa stone was near Sandusky Bay, the source for the Stations of the Cross at Marianapolis.  

After the design was completed, seven companies bid on the project.  Benziger Brothers was awarded the project with a bid of $9,000.00 for all the Stations of the Cross but the landscaping was not included.  The contracted completion date was July 1, 1941.  

The Stations were constructed with the first eight stations facing north, beginning across from South Cottage (presently Admissions) and ending at the original Main (South) Gate.  The ninth station would face south at the beginning of the payola (lengthy grape arbor with the center overlooking the future Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto) and continuing to the tenth station.  The stations would then follow the path up to the formal Italian gardens.  The final three stations would be constructed around the interior of the formal gardens.  

During the next several months, the faith and generosity of the Lithuanian Catholics was impressive.  The project was expanded to include the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and a shrine to Our Lady of Shiluva (Siluva), which commemorated the 1608 apparition of Mary to a group of shepherd children outside of Siluva, Lithuania. (Note:  Lithuania was the last European nation to accept Christianity and in 1941 virtually, 97+ % of Lithuanians were Catholic.)

When the baseball season began, Vito Ananis became the baseball coach.  Only the results of two games could be found.  Marianapolis lost to the American International College Freshmen from Springfield, Massachusetts by an 11 to 9 score.  The team won against LaSalette College by a 9-4 score. 

As Very Rev. John Navickas reviewed the school’s annual financial report, he discovered at the end of the fiscal year, Marianapolis still had a $3,000.00 debt to the Province, and $4,000.00 in unpaid bills.  He also noted that Gladding Estate added buildings, but the buildings did not enhance the educational facilities.  The report also noted that the financial concerns were due to six salaried teachers and “excessive” charity to students who paid little or nothing for their room, board and tuition.

On June 3, 1941, Rev. Dr. Joseph Pauliukonis resigned as the House Superior and was appointed pastor of St. George’s Parish in Niagara Falls, New York.  Rev. Dr. Joseph Vaskas was appointed the new House Superior of Marianapolis and the Rector of Marianapolis College.  Rev. Vaskas was a graduate of Marian Hills High School and Junior College in Illinois.  His philosophy studies were at the Seminaire de Philosophie in Montreal, Canada and his theology studies were at the Angelicium University in Rome where he also received his doctorate in Sacred Theology.

June 8, 1941, was a monumental day for Marianapolis High School and College.  During the Baccalaureate Mass celebrated by Rev. J. Kasakaitis and with Rev. Dr. Casimir Matulaitis as homilist, Julia Jakavonis and Joseph Laucka were the sponsors for the blessing of the new school flag.  As expected, the flag had a Lithuanian motif. The original flag was destroyed in the 1964 fire.  (Note: In Rev. Petrauskas’ The First Fifty Years, he mentions that in 1938, “Father Navickas blessed the new school flag, a beautifully embroidered maroon and gold design sewn by Sister M, Augustina of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.”) 

 At the graduation exercises, Rev. John Navickas gave his farewell address.  He highlighted his fifteen administrative years with five years at Hinsdale and ten years in Thompson. For those fifteen years, his vision of the school dominated.  The yearbooks acknowledged him as the heart and the soul of the school.  Before introducing Rev. Dr. Vaskas as the new Rector, Rev. Dr. Navickas extended his gratitude to the faculty for their dedication, cooperation, and counsel over the years.  Rev. Dr. Vaskas highlighted the many educational accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Navickas and his promotion of Lithuanian culture.  He also indicated that Rev. Dr. Navickas was planning to utilize the additional time for the demands as Provincial.  

Standard Lithuanian Flag Motif

In 1917, a commision of prominent figures in science and art worked on the project of creating the Lithuanian flag.  The commission consisted of J. Basanavičius, the scientist ,and  two artists: A. Žmuidzinavičius and T. Daugirdas,t.  The  flag was first adopted on April 25, 1918, but was abandoned in 1940 for the Lithuanian SSR flag.. After the1988 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics demise in 1988, the flag reverted to the original Lithuanian motif with some changes in its proportions.

The Yellow on the flag symbolizes the sun and happiness. The green on the forests, the countryside, freedom, and hope.  The red symbolizes the blood and courage of those who died for Lithuania.  The Lithuanian National Coat of Arms was probably on the school’s flag but not on the traditional Lithuanian flag.   

Lithuanian Coat of Arms

In 1366, the Lithuanian coat of arms was established about 21 years before the “baptism of Lithuania”. The shield is red with a knight on horseback.  For many generations, the knight was known as Vytis, the pagan god of war and thunder.  The knight’s shield is usually an azure blue with a double cross and the knight has a sword in his right hand.  The saddle, straps and belt are also azure.

 A similar version of the  knight is hanging between the front entrances of St. John’s Dormitory.   The older Marians indicated that the knight represented Vytautas (1350-1430), the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania when Lithuania celebrated its baptism into the Catholic Faith in 1387.  The coat of arms is maroon with a cross on top..  The knight is wearing gold armor with a gold lance,  gold straps and a maroon shield with cross.  Underneath the knight are three sets of vines.  At times, Marianapolis had the knight with the single and the double cross on its shield.  When the football team played the black knights of West Point in October 1947, the School was given the title “Golden” Knights because the team was wearing “golden” uniforms.  

The Knight on St. John’s Dormitory

Following Rev. Dr. Vaskas, the Honorable Joseph Kajeckas, Charge D’affaires of the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, addressed the graduates. Walter Kuliesis (in Lithuanian) and Thomas Kane (in English) provided the high school speeches.  For the Junior College speeches, Balys Laucka spoke in Lithuanian and Edgar Page spoke in both English and French on behalf of the Junior College graduates. The College valedictorian was Walter Karaveckas.  (Note 12 graduated from High School, 15 were postgraduates, 11 graduated from Junior College, and only four received Bachelor of Arts degrees). The celebration concluded with the investiture of the new Rector of Marianapolis College.

Several Lithuanian priests and guests were not thrilled that the Marianapolis administration seemed to abandon the 1938 change in policy of accepting students from a non-Lithuanian background.  Many Lithuanian Americans yearned for a purely Lithuanian school, but this graduating class was evidence that the initial vision was unrealistic. (On a sad note: Albert Ruback of Lansford, Pennsylvania, a 1941 High School graduate, was killed in action on August 13, 1945, a day before Victory in Japan day {August 15, 1945, in Japan and August 14, 1945, in the United States})