Last year I visited a couple of colleges and realized that neither were the right fit for me. I had already considered taking a gap year, and mostly assumed that’s what would happen. I was happy with that reality. But then my family and I decided to look into St. Mary’s, and right away that reality didn’t seem set in stone anymore.
What struck me the most when I visited St. Mary’s College as a shadow looking forward to where I could be, was the reason why the students were there. There was one reason, one primary explanation, given by each student when I asked about the college and what brought them here. “The Traditional Latin Mass.”
Every person here has a unique story: they heard about the place from a friend, read about it and found the description compelling, or realized that there was nowhere else to go. But each story, as similar or different as they can be, is founded upon the Traditional Latin Mass.
I figured that since St. Mary’s was in itself founded upon the Latin Mass, everything else (the classes, teachers, activities, etc.) would be (put simply) good. This is more true than I could have imagined. As it should, the concept “Tradition” does not solely apply to the Latin Mass. It has its influence in the classrooms and in our conversations and songs. Having been raised in traditional ways even before we found the Traditional Latin Mass, I found that this college would help me continue on the same traditional path, and also fill in gaps that had been missing.
First, I was nearly overwhelmed by the number of skirts and dresses I saw. This rule for having girls dress modestly and femininely is (from what I can tell) eagerly embraced. As a young lady who has, for a year now, attempted to only wear skirts and dresses, I was so happy to be among other girls who shared the same interest. I’ve heard others express the same sentiment. Seeing boys dressed like gentlemen for Mass and classes also elevates the life of the college.
Before coming here, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to pray a daily Rosary. Was this something that would be scheduled every day for all the students to attend? Or would I have to find a quiet moment each day to pray on my own? I would be willing to do that, but it’s not necessary. It should not be a surprise that other students make praying the Rosary a priority; it’s something we can do together every day. In the afternoon before dinner, there is nearly always a young man waiting for fellow classmates to join him at the college steps, and after a few or more have gathered, we proceed on a Rosary Walk on a path where the sun’s rays peek through the leaves of the trees, shadows dancing on the ground. Even on days when the wind whips our hair and skirts and the rain beats our faces, we brave the distant thunder, grip our beads and murmur the Hail Marys. This has been one of my favorite things to experience.
As advertised, the true Mass is available to go to every day. One can begin each morning with the Mass and close the evening with compline. The walk to and from the Immaculata is a lovely one, and hearing the voices of sisters and priests chanting the psalms is also lovely. What a beautiful way to wish Our Lord and Lady goodnight.
Some nights here at the college are “folk song nights”. It is hard to describe the joy evidently present at these times … We sing war ballads, love songs, sea shanties, laments, and even silly tunes with sincerity. Every Monday night here the halls ring with harmonies and laughter and clapping hands. Indeed, we do have talented musicians here, but it is their enthusiasm that I delight in the most. Outside of these scheduled folk song nights, it is not uncommon to find someone playing the piano, plucking a banjo, or strumming a guitar.
St. Mary’s is what I expected it to be and so much more. Deo Gratias for this place where learning and prayer and comradeship blossom.
Mary Verlander, October – 2023, Class of 2027