Santa Clara University

HISTORY

The Catala Club of Santa Clara University was established by Father James J. Lyons, S.J. in 1930, one hundred years after the death of Magin Catala, O.F.M. who was known as the “The Holy Man of Santa Clara.”

Magin Catala was born in Spain on June 13, 1761 and entered a Franciscan Monastery at the age of sixteen. He was ordained a priest in 1785. The following year, Father Catala left Spain and spent the next six years in apostolic work among the Indians in the mission areas of New Spain, now the Republic of Mexico.

In 1794, Father Catala arrived at Mission Santa Clara in Alta, California and spent the next thirty-six years teaching the basics of Christianity and instructing the neophytes how to read, write and farm their crops.

Father Catala died on November 22, 1830 and his body was interred in the Mission Church on the Campus of Santa Clara University. A bronze plaque commemorating his life and indicating the special site of his grave is located to the left of the Crucifix Altar in the Mission Church.

WHAT IS CATALA CLUB . . .

From its first meeting on April 27, 1930 to the present, Catala Club has welcomed women of diverse backgrounds and occupations to become part of the Santa Clara University family and to contribute to the University’s mission of education.

The Catala Club began as a support group of ladies who volunteered to assist the Jesuits at Santa Clara in caring for the vestments, altar linens and other needs of the Mission Church. The Club evolved into a women’s service organization to benefit Santa Clara University.

Catala Club has a long tradition of selfless service and dedication to Santa Clara University. The motto of the Club is “Service, Support and Spirituality.”

PURPOSE

Catala Club’s main activity is to provide financial assistance to deserving undergraduate students at the University. Fund raising events are held periodically. The proceeds are assigned to the Catala Club Endowed Scholarship Fund of Santa Clara University and to the Paul L. Locatelli, S.J. Endowed Scholarship Fund at Santa Clara University.

Many members of Catala also belong to other campus organizations and many are recognized through the President’s Club for their generosity.

Catala Club Endowed Scholarship Fund…

• established in 1930
• principal balance as of May 1, 2007 is $1,664,161
• income allocated, 2006-2007…..$76,563
• nine students received Catala Scholarship support ’06-‘07 academic year.

The Paul Locatelli S.J. Endowed Scholarship Fund…..

• established 1997
• principal balance as of May 1, 2007 is $133,647
• income allocated for scholarships 2006-2007….. $4,765
• one student ’06 -‘07 academic year.

SYMBOLS

The symbol of the Club is a pink rose. The Club’s pin is triangular in shape. The top symbolizes God and the base symbolizes friendship among its members. The pin also represents the three special virtues embodied in the Catala motto: Service, Support and Spirituality.

The Catala Club Coat of Arms:

The symbolic elements of the Coat of Arms are defined as follows:

Red and Gold

Visored Helmet
Defense of truth and wisdom

Acanthus Leaves
Greek emblem of the fine arts and an early Christian symbol of immortality

Upper Left Quarter
From the Coat of Arms of the Family of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Upper Right Quarter
From the Coat of Arms of the Franciscan Order

Center
Circular Seal of Santa Clara University with IHS (the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek); three nails of the Crucifixion; the American Eagle; thirteen stars representing the original American colonies; 1851, the founding date of the University; A.M.D.G., the Jesuit motto: “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” (for the Greater Glory of God)

Lower Left Quarter
Mission Santa Clara de Assis founded January 12, 1777

Lower Right Quarter
Mission Bell inscribed with the Spanish Bourbon Coat of Arms, the symbol of the preservation of Spanish culture in California

Ribboned Motto
“Monstra te esse Matrem” - Be to us a Mother