St Josephs Academy - La Lumiere Yearbook (Prescott, AZ)

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LA LUMIER E m fr K- • T b Cdsd Cjrande Ruins From all directions, over highways and desert trails, crowds of people motored to the prehistoric Casa Grande ruins last Sunday morning to attend the Pontifical High Mass which was celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Daniel J. Gercke, D.D., Bishop of Tucson. This magnificent ceremony was held in the natural stadium formed by the ruins of centuries — old adobe buildings and walls which constitute the National monument of Casa Grande. The special occasion was the first annual Arizona State Pageant held in the same stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings before a combined audience of 12,000 people. This spectacular drama of historical events in Arizona during the Indian, Span- ish and pioneer days was produced by Arizona citizens from fifteen towns under the direction of the Arizona Pageantry Association for the purpose of encouraging education by means of pageantry. The six interesting historical scenes, artistic- ally portrayed, fully realized the aims of the pageant’s promoters. The important part played by Catholics in the early history of Arizona was faithfully shown in several scenes of the pageant, especially those referring to Fray Marcos de Niza, the Franciscan explorer, who entered the present confines of Arizona in 1539, and to the Jesuit missionary, Father Kino, who said Holy Mass in these same ruins in 1694. These historical facts suggested to the officials of the pageant the appropriateness of having a Pontifical High Mass celebrated at the ruins. An altar was erected on the highest elevation of the natural stage and was tastefully deco- rated with flowers and candles. On the Gospel side a throne was placed for the Bishop. The following Franciscan Fathers assisted His Lordship: Father Celes- tine, arch-priest; Father Augustin and Father Antonine, deacons of honor; Father Felix and Father John Joseph, deacon and subdeacon. The Rev. Victor R. Stoner of Tucson acted as master of ceremonies. The Indian choir of Santan Mission, composed of Pima men and women, sang the four-voiced ‘‘F.cce Sacei- dos Magnus” while His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gercke was vesting at the altar. The Mission choir of All Saints parish, Tucson, sang the “Kyrie.” and “Gloria”1 whilst the rest of the Mass was sung by the Indian choir. At the conclusion of the Mass the Rt. Rev. Bishop addressed words of appre- ciation to the large gathering, which was estimated at from 800 to 1000 persons. He congratulated the sponsors of the pageant on the gratifying success of tlm venture to enlighten the people of Arizona regarding the State’s early history and urged ajl to avoid the pitfalls of irreligion and to remain faithful to the divine teachings of the Savior.—Arizona Observer. Page Twenty-Three «7 -Ht

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LA LU MIERE •• - t •'I-- I - -I.- • I ' Page Twenty-Two Grande Ruins

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LA LUMIERE know a mount (7 hutnb Butte near Prescott) the gracious Sun perceives first when he visits, last too, when he leaves the world” jjpr r Page Twenty-Four