POLYCARP, BROTHER (James White) (died March 27, 1896)
"Among the silent pioneers who still guard the northwest pass to the University of Notre Dame rests the body of Brother Polycarp, C.S.C. On March 27, 1896 he went for the last time to Father Sorin, founder of the University, that both could keep the gate together."
-- Scholastic.
-- See under "Community Cemetery", 1906.
-- "During all these years, (when Father Carrier was Superior of the priests' Scholasticate) a good old Brother, Polycarp by name, filled the office of mail carrier and refectorian. He had been more than forty years a sailor and had attained the rank of navigator and afterwards quartermaster, when he gave up the venturesome seafaring life, and joined the Brotherhood at Notre Dame. Whenever the good old 'tar' perceived that the conversations during recreations were flagging he would instantly commence the spinning of some astounding sea yarn which he would invariably wind up by these words, 'Well, to make a long story short, etc.'"
"Students returning to Corby Hall this year found that with the joy of meeting old faces was mingled an element of sadness. One face was missing. Brother Polycarp was dead. No memory of college life is better than that of his smile, his word of welcome and his hearty hand clasp. Old boy and newcomer alike found in him a warm friend and he was at all times ready to sacrifice himself for the welfare of others. many a Notre Dame man can remember the day he entered Corby Hall as a complete stranger and under the guidance of good old Brother Polycarp was taken around and introduced to his fellows.
"Brother Polycarp was a true religious. He cherished his vows and lived up to them in the absolute spirit of religion. His manly piety, his good example and his paternal admonitions have had many a youth's life directed down the right path and in his humble way he instilled into many a heart the proper conception of practical Catholicity.
"Death came to Brother Polycarp in a manner that robbed it of all its terror and made it seem tenderly sweet. He had just entered the church for morning meditation on the feast of the Sacred Heart when he was called to his Master."
-- Scholastic. 42:43 1908.