Nazareth Academy - Lanthorn Yearbook (Rochester, NY)

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Thivtt EDITORIAL BOARD

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NINETEEN - TWENTY =1 The New Constellation 3 [;N the olden time, the appearance of such a heavenly visitant as a [■ comet, was looked upon as an omen of vast and fearsome import. It might be the forerunner of war or other event of national significance, so that the pious prayed to be delivered from the evil-bearing comet. In the Autumn of 1916 an event, quite as attention-compelling, occurred in the world of Nazareth. To be definite, in the early hours of the eleventh of September there appeared in the heavens of Nazareth (to be found three flights up), a remarkable constellation. It was discovered quite simultaneously by several of the great scientists located in that place. When the constellation appeared on the horizon, it was difficult to distinguish its exact form, as some of the stars which at first seemed to form a part of the constellation, during its progress up the sky finally dropped away and associated with the bright company no longer. The number of stars in the constellation in the beginning was uncertain: but it was finally ascertained that the fixed companions forming the glorious company were one hundred seventeen in number. Among this stellar aggregation were stars of various magnitudes, some, of first magnitude were of compelling brilliancy, the others ranging in decreasing magnitudes until the light of their shining could scarcely be distinguished by the naked eye. Altogether, it is one of the finest constellations that adorn our skies. It has been noticed by experienced scientists that many remarkable things have happened since the appearance of this stellar group. It is a fact that our country entered the World War in April of the following year. However, the influences which seem to emanate from the starry visitant are, according to scientific authorities, of a more pacific character. As the attraction of the moon upon the yielding waters of the deep nroduces the great tidal waves, so the combined attraction of these heavenly bodies produce an influence hourly visible, not only upon inanimate nature, such as botanical gardens, palms and ferns and other growing things that seem to flourish under their bright rays, but likewise upon the hearts and even the moods of the people who are so fortunate as to live in the latitude in which this constellation is visible. The effect upon the heart seems to be that its pulsations are more rapid and more regular, imparting a healthy glow and inducing a genial mood and a general feeling that all’s right with the world; and yet, under certain atmospheric conditions, it is held that quite a complexity of moods may arise through the proximity and influence of this great constellation. It was observed that when this star-group was in the ascendant, destructive storms were prevalent especially in certain regions. These storms, however, appear to be growing less frequent even in the most afflicted areas. The immediate result of this temperamental condition seemed to be added activity in such movements as Red Cross work, Liberty Bonds, Irish Liberty loans and sewing machine funds for philanthrope purposes. There was also noticeable a decided tendenev toward literary societies; gradually developing into self-expression dramatically, theatrically, noetically, and in the form of the other fine arts, and the useful arts as well. The naming of this constellation has been of no little interest. Many scientific, historic and literary names were proposed. Some fanciful names were suggested and a few that were even whimsical. A committee of members of the Academy of Science was finally appointed to decide upon Twenty-nine

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NINETEEN - TWENTY =1 a suitable name. They decided that the constellation be called “The Lamp-bearers,” or since the older constellations have long affected Latin names, it will be called Lampadariae. As the eai th rolled on in its course, this beautiful constellation finally reached the zenith of the heavens in its beauty and glory, and the began its westward course. In this vicinity it will be visible above the horizon only a few months longer, as it will disappear in June, 1920. But though the beautiful, bright Lampadariae,—for many months and seasons past the cynosure of admiring eyes,—even though it will disappear from our skies in a cloud of glory, it will elsewhere have its rising. May the fortunate lands upon which it is destined to shed its brightness, hail it as a harbinger of good, and bless its clear shining until the firmament shall grow old and like a garment, be changed. Then may our constellation have a final rising in a firmament that shall abide forever. —Helen Eddy. In Memoriam ;7pHE influenza epidemic in the fall of 1918 did not depart from Rochester VH until it had laid its hand on Nazareth and had taken two of the members of our class of 1920. Anna Buonomo, of St. Bridget’s parish, had been with us in the academic department for two years and had transferred to commercial work in the September previous to her death. Marion Cole, of Our Lady of Pei-petual Help parish, had been a student of Nazareth scarcely a month; but this was sufficient time to endear her to her companions in the commercial department. Both of these, our loved and lost companions, are still remembered with tender regret. Their places are not vacant in the hearts of their classmates. With hope and trust we look forward to the final roll-call at the end of life’s great school, confident that our full circle of happy school-mates will again be re-united, and that all wall respond to the voice of the good Master, “Safely Here.” —Rosemary A. White. EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief.Rosemary White Assistant Editor ----- Rosalia Kircher Laura Margrett Lucile Welch Margaret Flynn Maiy Mulheron Rita Sheehan Mildred Kupferschmid Gladys Hagerman Business Managers Camilla Hamlin ------ Helen Eddy Thirty-one