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

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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

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ST. IOI-IN BERCHM1-XNN'S SOCIETY

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