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Br. David Gabriel Purton edited the first Catholic School Studies in 1928 . Its original title was Our Studies. Its aim was to further professional lives of Christian Brothers. In those days the Christian Brothers' "system of education" was seen to be something quite distinct from that of other bodies: even in the Catholic system it was different. Among the Christian Brothers generally, and certainly among those responsible for policy and command, there was a clarity of objective, a certainty of the rightness of the methods used, and a powerful loyalty to a tradition that had its origins in, and took its inspirations from, Ireland. The objective of the schools was to hand on the Catholic Faith intact and be ready to fight; to raise the working class boy to a position of prestige in Public Service or Profession; and to attain high levels of examination success in open competition. Also, another objective, only slightly lower in estimation than the first, was the ability to challenge the domination of better endowed schools in any field, scholastic or sporting: hence the tremendous efforts and outstanding successes in all areas of competitive sport, and the relative neglect of the more individual achievement in "cultural" subjects (which had no `advertisement' value.)
In those days the Brothers were proud of the Congregation because it was doing a difficult job with brilliant success; at times the examination successes, those of the individual Brother as well as those of the pupils, were used by Higher Superiors as a measure of the Brother's virtue, his use, and future potential as a religious. In this context one has only to note the comments made by a provincial of those days, Br. Jerome Barron, in his reports to the Provincial Conferences. The attitude which such climate of opinion created among the Brothers was one of great loyalty, and a desire among them to achieve in ways that were striking. One can think of examination and sporting excellence in almost all Christian Brothers' schools; but in addition the thirties were remarkable for magnificent public displays in concerts and Eisteddfods where school rivaled school within the system. Rallies, such as those of St. Patrick's Day and of Christ the King, were used to show the world the Faith in Action and, especially, the excellence of the Christian Brothers' of Ireland. Even devotion to the Mother of God was not neglected: her May altars were there blazing in magnificent splendour for all the world to see and compare.
Behind this highly active, materially successful, murderously demanding, and savagely competitive front, there was a group of brilliant men by whose personal charisms and real holiness, inspiration, direction and moderation were given to the Christian Brothers in the classrooms. They were in the forefront of educational thought and their status was recognised in the general community. In particular there was Br. Michael Benignus Hanrahan (for years Master of Teaching Method, Consultor, and twice Provincial of Australasia,) and to the first Editor of Catholic School Studies, Br. Gabriel Purton.
Both of these men recognised the need to educate Christian Brothers to high levels of scholarship, and each in his special area of responsibility used the means available to him. When these were wanting, he created them. Thus the first article in the first issue of OUR STUDIES speaks of the Grade Examinations, the Brothers' own form of in-service adopted from Ireland. Br. Purton's primary objective in the new journal was the development of the intellectual life among the Brothers: hence the name he gave it, OUR STUDIES. Then in issue after issue he continued to help, direct and inspire the large numbers of young brothers who, thanks to the courage and genius of Br. Ignatius Hickey, now poured out of the Training College at Strathfield (having been in the inspiring care of Br. Hanrahan) into the schools of Australia and New Zealand. As their needs changed from the Grades to University, so did the articles in OUR STUDIES. Thus, when in the forties he handed over the editorship to Br. Gonzaga Rooney, the Grade system had disappeared and been replaced by Technical College and University studies: the journal had by then become much different from its beginnings.
This change continued under the influence of Br. Rooney, a splendid scholar, fine writer and deep thinker. With the developing professionalism of the Brothers and the new specialisations demanded in the teaching of both religion and other subjects, the magazine took on a new face. Much of the bread and butter, down-to-earth material was replaced by articles of scholarship in literature, language, psychology and catechesis. Book reviews appearing were valued: the magazine began to take its place in University Libraries, and was well regarded by readers outside the Brothers' immediate circle. Editorship was transferred to Br. George Columba Davey in the early sixties and to Br. Kevin Loyola King later that decade.
As the years progessed mant teachers initially in Christian Brothers schools asked to read and contribute to the newly named journal now called STUDIES. This enthusiasm was was wide spread so eventually a journal evolved that focused on the ethos and culture of Catholic education manifested in its diverse forms. STUDIES became CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDIES.
This Journal has had over the years a number of devoted and scholarly editors. We pay tribute to their vision and professionalism.
EDITORS:
Gabriel Purton
Gonzaga Rooney
Columba Davey
Loyola King
Cas Manion
Baptist Healy
Gerald Hodda
Peter Gaughwin
Graham Rossiter
Ronald Stewart
Vincent Connors
Br Gabriel Purton (1901)
