Remarks by the Very Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M.,
Columbus School of Law Centennial Gala
Oct. 3, 1998

Mr. Justice Scalia, Members of the Administration, Dean and Mrs. Dobranski, Members of the Faculty, Distinguished Guests, Alumni and Alumnae, and Students of our School of Law.

It was Professor Oliver Wendel Holmes, Jr. who told his law students that "your business as lawyers is to the see the relation between your particular fact and the whole frame of the Universe." The School of Law of The Catholic University of America has been about that "business" for one-hundred years. That is, indeed, a reason to celebrate. From its humble beginnings in the mind of our first rector Bishop John Keane as he gathered legal texts for our library to its establishment as a School of the University seven years later, our Law School has set out to impart Truth in the understanding and practice of law in our nation. Overcoming great obstacles, making progress slowly and ultimately gaining the recognition and respect of legal practioners and academicians throughout the country, The Catholic University of America is proud of the achievements of its School of Law and this evening holds them up for well-deserved applause. What would become The Columbus School of Law in 1954, now located in beautiful modern facilities on our campus, has brought honor to the University and to the Church in the United States and, in so doing, has taken its rightful place in the rich tradition and noble heritage that continue to shape the story of The Catholic University of America.

Tonight, as President, I salute Dean Dobranski, his administration, the faculty, staff and students of The Columbus School of Law at this final centennial celebration. You have articulated your purpose well; you have advanced your goals with distinction; you have embraced your mission with courage and vigor. And you have fulfilled the challenging words of Oliver Wendell Holmes quoted earlier. You have been able to do all these things precisely because, in his words, you have seen the relation between the law and its place within the universe, created by God. You have seen your responsibility as a sacred, moral trust. You have not been afraid or ashamed to make your mark in the Catholic intellectual tradition and to use that tradition to make your mark in the history of our nation, which has not always been receptive to the "uncomfortable truths" that your mission requires you to speak.

And you stand on the shoulders of great men and women who have gone before you — some of whom are here with us tonight — who have done that throughout this century of your existence.

As President I extend the hand of the University to you to help continue your efforts. We are about to move into your second hundred years. We are about to move into a new century. We are about to usher in a new millennium. May your work prosper, "pursuing justice … seeking knowledge." And may the generations to follow know that that all that you do is for the greater God of human society and the glory of God. Congratulations and best wishes.

Very Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
President

From the Book of the Psalms, Psalm 19:

The Law of the Lord is Perfect, refreshing the soul;

The Decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Law are right, rejoicing the heart.

The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye.

The ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them are just.

Let us make your law, our own, O God. Give us the wisdom to see your purpose. And give us the strength, to accomplish it in our day.

Bless us, O Lord, and the gifts we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Revised: February 5, 1999