Saint Xavier University, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, is the first Mercy Institution of Higher Learning in the United States. It is Chicago's oldest Catholic University. Saint Xavier University has many offices that support our Mercy mission. This guide gives access to these resources, materials from the Library's collection, and links to online content.
Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy
Catherine McAuley
Books about The Sisters of Mercy
Journal articles about The Sisters of Mercy
Encyclopedia article about The Sisters of Mercy
Book about the History of SXU and the Sisters of Mercy
The history of SXU is described in the following online book:
First in Chicago: a History of Saint Xavier University, by Joy Clough, RSM (Sisters of Mercy)
This book is also found in our paper collection at LD4865.S32 C56 1997
The Saint Xavier College self study : the liberal education of the Christian person : a progress report compiled by the combined faculties of Saint Xavier College and related elementary and secondary schools, submitted to the director of the Fund for the Advancement of Education.
Published: Chicago, Ill. : The College, c1953. (digital copy available soon)
Location: Special Collections (Non-Circulating)
Call Number: 376.8 S15fL 1953
The Second Vatican Council, fully the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican (Concilium Oecumenicum Vaticanum Secundum) and informally known as Vatican II, addressed relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, from October 11, 1962 -December 8,1965.
Shortly after this momentus event, many of the key theologians met on our campus for a "John XXIII Vatican II Theology Symposium"
A Theology Symposium: The theological task confronting the church today : March 31-April 3. 1966 Saint Xavier College. Chicago, Ill. : Saint Xavier College, 1966.
Ten of the world's foremost Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox theologians participated in a 4-day symposium sponsored by Saint Xavier College. Each of the theologians delivered an address on a different theological problem confronting Christianity today. The talks were original contributions to the field, with concentrations on the development of doctrine as a prerequisite to the solution of theological differences and units. Some of the topics included combating atheism, women as priests, and the concept of God in relation to man.
The actual symposium papers are recorded in:
The Word in history; the St. Xavier symposium, by Burke, Thomas Patrick Published 1966.
Call Number: BT80 .B8 1966
Location: Special Collections (Non-Circulating)
A related video item is:
Remembering the Pope John XXIII symposium: [videorecording] : the theological task confronting the church today
Patrick Burke, PhD.
Main Floor Audiovisual--SXU Patrons Only
DVD Number 1340
LOCAL MATERIAL:
See an online copy of the ephemeral planning documents and rosters from one of the four original paper scrapbooks: The theological task confronting the church today : a theology symposium, March 31-April 3, 1966. Call Number: BT80 .T48 1966 Location: Special Collections (Non-Circulating)
Within Saint Xavier University:
Beyond Saint Xavier University:
VIDEOS
Part 1: Founding of the Sisters of Mercy
Part 2: Saint Xavier Academy, 1846 to 1915
Part 3: Saint Xavier University, 1915 to 1970
Part 4: Saint Xavier University, 1970 to the present
STUDENT DOCUMENTARY class work: suite of videos about the Sisters of Mercy and SXU
AUDIO
Sister Cathleen interview (mp3 audio) by Julia Gochee.
We are building a finding aid and a database of selected images from our Archives photograph collection.
Entry points will be:
Catholic Newspapers Online (CNO) links to more than two hundred newspapers, and provides easy access to current issues of many diocesan, national, and student newspapers.
The Saint Xavier University shield was designed by art department faculty member Sister Mary Solina Hicks, R.S.M. and represents:
--the black and white checkerboard, and the diagnal gold bars are from the family coat of arms of Saint Francis Xavier, the Jesuit patron of Mother Frances Xavier Warde, founder of Saint Xavier University.
--the red and gold bars, and the white Jerusalem cross are from the shield of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas;
--the open book depicts education;
--the University’s Latin motto of "Via, Veritas, Vita," “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).