Loyola University Maryland - Evergreen / Green and Gray Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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12 THE LOYOLA ANNUAL he was the only living creature left in the boat. He looked up, and across the waves saw the black hull of an approaching steamer. He started to signal, but the ship had already stopped her engines and was lowering a boat. He alone, of the four hundred and thirty-nine souls aboard the “ Nova Scotia,” had been saved from the jaws of the ocean, and the sea gulls wheeled over the tossing life-boat with its cargo of dead. Charles S. Lerch, ’ll.

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THE LOYOLA ANNUAL 11 mediaeval theology, but of that spiritual body that receives its inspiration from the Holy Ghost, its authority from Jesus Christ — in short, all that in which it consists from God Him- self. I am the representative of the Catholic Church and hence the representative of the Creator.” The apostate had been moved; even in his pain he had roused himself to hear the glowing words of the speaker. “ You are eloquent, father,” he said with difficulty. “ I re- spect your devotion to your cause. I honor you as a just man, but I cannot agree with all your belief.” The priest looked with anxiety at the rapidly dying man. Then he said: “Would you have proof of my words? Forget your own belief, disregard for the moment that deli- cate system of philosophy you have built up for yourself; cease using those grand ideas and vague passions which you have forced into justifying yourself. Look not into your abstract speculations, but into your life. Have your actions proved the purity and justice of the course you have taken? You abandoned your church for your wife and pleasure; you gave up your God for the ambition of this life. She who aided you in the fcdl has realized her sin and has appealed to the Infinite mercy. Recall your own sins, and look to Calvary where, hanging on the infamous gibbet of shame, is your God. Give heed to His words and apply them to yourself: ‘ Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ ” The priest broke off, for by a superhuman effort the man- gled creature before him had thrown himself on his knees, and in a voice that sped over the boundless waste of waters he cried : “ My God, I believe.” A moment later he was pouring forth in broken accents a confession of his life, and as his voice grew weaker the priest solemnly gave him abso- lution. The effort had exhausted his last strength; he fell by the side of his wife, and the minister of God realized that

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THE LOYOLA ANNUAL 13 (A Christmas Story.) IVyT ERRY Christmas” rang out clear and strong above jingling bells and tooting horns. It was the eve of the great day. I was revelling in blissful anticipation of the good things to come, when mother bent over me and asked, “ Do you not think it is dreadful to be cold and hungry?” • Oh, yes,” I answered. “ There are many boys and girls,” ' she continued, “ who live in miserable garrets or dark cellars, and no ray of Christmas cheer ever brightens their dull lives. Will you not forego tomorrow’s presents that the money may be used in making these poor creatures happy?” Visions of silver-mounted rifles and prancing steeds danced before my eyes and seemed to urge me to refuse. But while I pondered in uncertainty I heard a gentle voice whisper, “ Will you not make the sacrifice for Me? Tomorrow is My birthday.” I turned to mother and said, “ I will give up my presents.” It was evening and an irresistible impulse drew me to the sidewalk. As I lifted my eyes to the heavens, a luminous star appeared and seemed to move toward the earth. At the same time I felt myself lifted from the ground and carried rap- idly through the air in the track of the star. The earth was contracted to an atom, and the sublime and enchanting region through which I passed was lighted with millions of crystal lamps, that burned brightly in the deep blue vault. I seemed to be in the world of spirits and to live and breathe with them. At last my luminous guide stopped and I was hurried through endless space, back to earth. Now I was in a little village that nestled among the hills, and angels were everywhere. Their