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Providence Friars
History
 Mascot
The historical connection between dogs and Dominicans is a long one. A
bit strange as well. But with this common link between friars,
preachers, and dogs dating back to the sixth century, it's no wonder the
Providence College mascot, and the Friars Club favorite, is a purebred
Dalmatian named Friar Boy V.
The association can be traced back to the late 500s, when St. Gregory
the Great was the first to use the symbol of a dog for a preacher.
Later, a historian records a vision experienced by Dominic's mother. It
is said she beheld her unborn child under the form of a dog holding a
flaming torch in its mouth. Dominic's mother saw herself bearing the dog
in this image, and envisioned her son setting fire to the world.
In the late thirteenth century, visionary Robert d'Uzes calls the Friars
Preachers "sons of the spotted dog"- one supposes in reference to their
black and white habit. From the following century on, the connection
with St. Dominic sticks, with artistic depictions of the saint
frequently linking him with dogs. In one painting, the saint holds the
rod of the master with black and white dogs (Friars Preachers) attacking
wolves (heretics) ravaging a flock of sheep (the faithful). To this day,
statues of St. Dominic often portray him with a dog at his feet.
There is also said to be an etymological connection with the name
"Dominican," although some dispute this, saying the symbolism predates
Friars Preachers being called Dominicans. The link comes from the Latin
words: Domini (Lord) and canis (dog). And Pope Honorius is said to have
called the order "watchdogs of the Lord."
Even given this historical and religious association, it was sports that
brought the first Friar Boy to campus. In 1935, the Friars Club's
mission was still focused on athletics. This emphasis led the club to
purchase the first Dalmatian, Friar of What Ho from What Ho Farm in
Washingtonville, NY, as a football mascot. He made his debut at the PC
vs. Niagara game and was a fixture at sporting events for the next two
years before dying of distemper.
From then on, his successors took their place among Friars Club members
at athletic events for three subsequent generations. But after 1953,
Friar Boy IV was not as visible on campus. Football had disappeared from
the school's athletic pursuits and when Friar Boy IV died in 1963, he
was not replaced.
But in 1993, in honor of the upcoming 75th anniversary of Providence
College, Rev. James F. Quigley, O.P., then executive vice president of
the college, suggested returning the mascot to campus. Father Quigley
asked Brother Kevin O'Connell, O.P., the Friars Club moderator, if he
would take care of the new arrival. On January 16, 1993, Friar Boy V
came to live with Brother O'Connell in St. Joseph Hall. He attends both
men's and women's basketball and hockey games, club meetings, and is
often seen on campus with Brother O'Connell or a member of the club.
Over the past three years Sean McHugh '99, a club member, has helped
take care of Friar Boy, walking and exercising him, as well as assisting
Brother O'Connell at games. With the new roster of students in the
Friars Club, a new member will be appointed "Keeper of the Dog."
School Colors
Black and White are the official colors of Providence College. The
colors come from the habit worn by the Dominican Order. On solemn and
formal occasions, the white habit is covered by a long black cloak and
hood which is called the cappa. It is the black cappa, which in ancient
times was worn in the street, that caused the Dominicans in
English-speaking countries to be called "Blackfriars."
The colors symbolize the ideals of the order. White typifies the Divine
Truth preached by the Order and is indicative of the purity of life that
must be characteristic of every Dominican. The black cappa is a constant
reminder of the sacrifices that must be made in defense of the truth and
the penance which is the means of preserving purity of life. |
