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

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ST. IOI-IN BERCHM1-XNN'S SOCIETY

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A N N U A L 1 9 3 6 0 0 The Gargoyle Staff Director .......A,..........A,.,.. ....A....,..,..,,,.,...,.A,. R EV. IOHN E. RYAN, M.A. Editor ..,,.....,..,......,...,...,........,,.. ...,........,.A.. l Ol-IN M. DONELON '35 Assistant Editor A......w..,...,.w. ...... ....,....... W A LTER VETRO '35 Business Manager .....A.,..........,,,..,..........i....,,.........,........,....,.......,.....i.. IAMES SKELLY '36 IFTEEN years have passed since the GARGOYLE first made its appearance in Cathedral in the form of a small four-page paper. During the years succeeding that memorable date, the available literary talent produced such varied and extensive material that the paper assumed new proportions. When the world was threatened with the terrible crisis during the dark days of the depression, the GARGOYLE was affected by the unsteady state of conditions about it and, lacking support, entered upon the stormiest period of its career. lt survived the burdens that threatened to overwhelm it and 1936, the Fifteenth Anniversary of its inception, finds it nearer its former state, still accomplishing its important mission to provide the student with a medium for the written expression of thought. The GARGOYLE has embarked upon a new era of development under the skillful management of lohn Donelon, Editor-in-Chief, and lames Skelly, Busi- ness Manager, through whose efforts the proposed improvements were made possible. As Editor-in-Chief, Iohn is to be highly commended for the excellent Work he has performed in turning out the greatly improved GARGOYLE. l-le has increased the number of pages and has made the magazine more attrac- tive by his novel arrangement and originality. Especially deserving of praise is the November issue, the Anniversary number which contained statements of the former editors. Tribute of praise is likewise due lim Skelly, who has been most influential in making this the most successful year in the history of the GARGOYLE. By his untiring efforts he has obtained an unusual number of ads and has kept the staff free from financial Worries. A word of praise for the remainder of the staff and department heads who have contributed much toward making each issue of the GARGOYLE a success. loe Buckley, author of By ye olde Lamplightf' proved a very inter- esting and humourous columnist. The Gargrins, edited by William Wanerka and Gerald Ryan, both demon jokesters, were amusing and provoked smiles from all the readers. Tom McGlade and Mike Fleming, the sport commenta- tors, Frank Tyrrell, the inquiring editor and author of Did You Know? g Ed McHugh and Benack, the book reviewers, lohn Donelon in the Observers Seat , Roddy Greene and George La Flare, society editors, and Billy Lohmann comprise the remainder of the staff. The most enjoyable article of the maga- zine was that submitted by the celebrated and mysterious Dinkle, whose wit confounds all his readers. The articles by Paul Meconi and Robert Welsh proved very interesting. No one ever failed to read the stories written by George La Flare, who has shown great ability as a short story writer. Every issue of the GARGOYLE was eagerly anticipated by the student body and was joyfully received. Again, congratulations, Donelon and Skelly, on the Fifteenth Anniversary of the GARGOYLE. 105

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A N N U A L l 9 3 6 ' 0 St. John Berchmann's Society HE distinguishing characteristic of a priest is his love for the Mass and the Altar. ln the aspirant to the priesthood this mark should be likewise pres- ent. But sometimes because ot distance from the school or because of late Masses in the parish, the student finds himself unable to express this love and desire for nearness to the altar and would be compelled to go through his courses at Cathedral without ever assisting at Mass. lt is chiefly for these stu- dents that the St. lohn Berchmanrfs society is maintained. They have the opportunity to assist at the masses celebrated by the priests of the College and to take part in the other ceremonies conducted here during the school year. Under the direction and guidance of Father Kowalski the membership of this society has so increased that at present it embraces students from every class and is by lar the largest society. Certainly deserving of commendation are its members who travel from near and far, in all kinds of weather, having the same motto as the mailman, 'lnor wind, nor rain, nor snow, shall stop them so that they might be present to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The activities of the society were not confined to school alone. Members of this society assisted at the annual solemn Requiem Mass celebrated in mem- ory of all the souls of the deceased benefactors, faculty and friends of the College. They likewise served the May Mass which was celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under whose protection the College has been placed and to whom it is dedicated. During Holy Week they were present for the solemn rites conducted at St. lames Cathedral and had the privilege of serving the Bishop in the Mass of the Resurrection celebrated on Holy Sat- urday. Special words of praise are due Father Kowalski who, unknown to the greater part of the school, spent Thursdays and all his free time repairing and renovating the altar and the background of the stage which serves for the chapel. With a meager sum at his command and with much labor he has worked marvellous changes which have drawn murmurs of approval from the student body. He was assisted in his work by Robert Welsh and Harry Culkin, who likewise sacrificed time for the improvement of the altar. After Father Kowalski has carried out his plans, we can visualize in the near future a chapel which will be more conducive to prayer and less distracting to the students. Without doubt the members of the St. lohn Berchmann's society have carried on their work in a laudable fashion. But they seek no reward and ask to be permitted only to enjoy the distinct privilege of entering the Holy of Holies. 107