Current Exhibit

"175th!!  Gonzaga Celebrates Father Cataldo's Birthday"
  Through June

Gonzaga's founder, Fr. Joseph Cataldo, S.J., was born 175 years ago last month (St. Patrick's Day), so Foley Library marked this event with an actual birthday party in his honor. About a hundred guests visited the Rare Book Room the afternoon of March 22nd to eat cake and examine a new exhibit featuring lesser known aspects of Fr. Cataldo's life.  The first three display cases each depict a different phase of his life:  his early years in Sicily (1837-1860), his migration to the Pacific Northwest (1860-1865), and his Diamond Jubilee (1928).  The remaining cases display materials representing four facets of his career and character.  The “Missionary” case emphasizes how Fr. Cataldo saw himself first and foremost in service to the region’s Native Americans.  The “Mediator” case shows his mastery of communication, particularly his multilingual fluency, which eased hostilities aroused by the Nez PercéWar of 1877.  The “Leader” case illustrates Fr. Cataldo’s ability to inspire and advise his men, while acting as Superior (1877-1893) during a time of great growth.  The “Icon” case examines the ‘larger-than-life’ view of Fr. Cataldo still in place today.  The exhibition will continue until mid June, when a display of rare Asian artifacts will be installed.