Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception - Annual Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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00CATI-IEDRAL COLLEG SCENES FROM THE FIRST LEGIONH 100

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A N N U A L l 9 3 6 0 ' The Choir C Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the liturgy of the Church is the most impressive and symbolical of ceremonies. But the most touching factor is the music, Gregorian chant, the Church's form of musical expression. The solemn, majestic tones, the charm and beauty, remind us of the monks of old, rising at the early hours of morn to praise the Name of the Lord in reparation for the sins of men. It is very important here to note that they called upon God in music. No, there is no alternative for the rich, undulating and mellowed in- tonation of the hearts lifted in prayer. ln full accord with the injunction of His Holiness and eager to impart the Gregorian to the priests of tomorrow, His Excellency, Bishop Molloy, intrusted Father Bukey with the huge and delicate task of training the students of Cathedral in this type of Christian musical prayer. Four years have passed and what are the results? Thank God, they are gratifying. For every occa- sion and under all circumstances Father and his faithful choristers were never wanting. The improvement each year becomes more and more evident as assignments are more accurately and more beautifully rendered. On Friday, November 20, the Annual Solemn Mass was held for all the deceased benefactors of the college. The Choir chanted the Requiem Mass With the beautiful HSALVE REGINA as a closing prayer. The greatest achieve- ment of the group, perhaps, was the music provided for the Christmas enter- tainment. When the ADESTE FIDELES was rendered in part music the recep- tion it received was Well Worth the many hours of tedious practice and repeti- tion that must of necessity precede such a performance. Out of justice and thankfulness, a Word must be inserted here about Sixth Year through Whose Whole.-hearted and kindly cooperation the accomplish- ment became possible. With the spirit and enthusiasm that have been so characteristic of all its activities throughout its six years, the graduating class lent its support and talent to the ranks of the choir. During Holy Week the Choir as usual supplied the music for the Pro- Cathedral, together with Father Brackenfs choir. The beautiful month of May brought with it our annual May Mass, the most inspiring and loveliest practice of the school. Once again in unison at the foot of Marys altar, the student body dedicated itself to her loving care. The new HSALVE REGINA, requested by the Rector, added a final touch to the impressive ceremonies. There must be great rejoicing in heaven and We feel sure that the celestial choirs must join with us when on earth We sing of the glory of the Almighty and His chosen ones. Our acclaim and congratulations to this self-sacrificing group and to its capable director, Father Bukey. We cannot but predict greater and higher goals for them. If the first four years have brought such fair results We are not too optimistic if We believe that the next four shall bring twofold, aye four- fold, the first fruits. 99

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A N N U A L l 9 3 6 ' ' Saint Francis Players N writing of the Saint Francis Players it has always been the custom to start off with apologies for lack of material, time, scenery, and everything else. Paucity of membership, lack of spirit, and to speak frankly many a poor per- formance were all explained away by calling scripts dull, the stage too small, or the student body unresponsive. But this year told another story. There was a renewal of interest, an increase of ability that can be explained only by the new surge of school spirit that has flooded the whole school. The season began with GASSED, the first comedy in several years to bring forth real belly laughs. The plot, it is true, was one that was used before, but there was supplied fresh dialogue, and a lightness of presentation that made the play a hit with all the students. Acting honors went to lack Donelon for a bombastic performance as a senior with high pressure ideas, and to Henry Krisch who proved himself a good dead pan comedian, At Christmas, the sequel to GASSED was presented, under the name of GRACIE. And to mention GBACIE is to bring back chuckling recollections of Ed Mcl-lugh dominating the whole action, giving the best individual perform- ance that l can remember in my six years at Cathedral. GRACIE was followed by a serious play, THE UNBIDDEN GUEST, on the same program, with a throwback scene of lerusalem that was quite realistic. The scowling, scoffing father that Syl Benack made was a fine character rendition, while many will remember Frank Tyrrell as a gentle, understanding Saint Ioseph. The real triumph of the players was THE FIRST LEGION, which we hoped was but the first of many such school plays. We can well recall the weeks of practice, with Father Ryan coaxing, scolding, flattering, scorning good per- formances out of a cast which possessed eagerness hard to be surpassed. The question on the lips of everyone was whether the players could possibly suc- ceed in putting on a full length serious play that would be accepted by a critical audience. Then breathless hours before the big night, the stabbing minute before entrances, the last curtain, and-thunderous applausel lt would be useless to recall the action of the play, the Merrie Mon- signor, the grim confessional scene, the pathetic death of the Father Rector, or the glorious last miracle. They are things which neither youynor I shall forget for many a moon. And individual performances? To name the stars would necessitate the mention of the whole cast and each character in particular. Enough to say that the actors proved that they lived their parts, and gave careful and sincere interpretations. But there was one member of the Saint Francis Players who has never made an appearance on the stage. He is Stan Forker, a clever electrician who knows how to get startling effects with little bits of wire and pieces of string. l hope the players can secure another like him next year. ln conclusion may we ask What about next year? Shall the old feeling of despair return again, or shall memory of a good year carry next year's Players to new summit? Do not allow your reviewers to call you just Thes- piansf' To you from graduating hands we throw the torch. lOl