The preliminary training consists of the usual course of classics and mathematics: the classics being more than usually expurgated (after an unsuccessful attempt, under Pius IX., to abolish them altogether), and the whole generously interlarded with spiritual and ascetical exercises. This stage extends over a period of five or six years on the average: at Ushaw it is continued up to the twentieth year, at Wonersh (the new seminary founded for the Southwark diocese by the able and estimable Father Byrne), it only occupies five years. To the ‘humanities’ succeeds a course of scholastic philosophy (of which more afterwards) which usually occupies two years, and which now usually includes a few carefully expurgated and commentated lessons on physical science—for ecclesiastics are beginning to take the bull by the horns (very gently, and with much soothing language). Finally the student is treated to a three years’ course of theology, passes a severe examination, and is admitted to ordination. The various stages will be described more in detail as the writer passed through them.
Such is the scheme of education of the Catholic priesthood all the world over, with but few local variations. The mendicant orders and the minor congregations generally corrupt and mutilate it: the larger seminaries and the more important orders expand it. The Jesuits have the longest and fullest curriculum, and their educational scheme has the
