Cheverus High School - Clarion Yearbook (Portland, ME)

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0 0 Very Rev. -Francis J. Gilday, S. I. No man is more deserving of the fond remembrance of the present generation of Cheverus students and that of recent graduates than Father Gilday. Although he filled the position ol Principal lfor a scant .three years, the fruits of his indomi- table zeal and tireless labor will be reaped by Cheverus men for many years to come. With patient understanding he assured the timid freshman that the mon- strous obstacle, a Jesuit high school education, was well worth the pains it might cost. Father's athletic ability attracted wonderment, for few men could bend as far over backward as he to help a student. Hours on end were spent with un- certain seniors, reassuring them and reenforcing them for their first onslaught into the big world. Here was a man devoted to his missiong and he wore his devotion on his face. His amicable smile enabled a timid student or a renowned dignitary to feel at home in his company. The ollice lights burning late at night told of the long work day Father Gilday constantly yet gladly engaged in for the .benefit of Cheverus. Nothing in his stay in Portland was more becoming to his virtue than his humble departureg and, due to the suddenness of it, Cheverus seemed miserably empty. But. his mission here was completed. This dedicated man of God had a greater work to do. It is with sincere admiration and deep gratitude that we wish Father complete success and intense happiness as Rector of Boston College High School. 'F u nf- +41 xl, Friend and Adviser 9

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,, ounces: or PURTLAND 'Q ,,-1: ',' THE Ensl-mP's nrrlns I ,L 317 CUNBREBB STREET ,u, PORTLAND s, MAINE March 14, 1957 Gentlemen of Cheverus High School: Careers for Youth'1 the theme of The Clarion this year, is most appropriate. In asking me to write you this letter, your Moderator, Father Buchan, stated that this theme is to attempt to get the students thinking and planning early, so as to combat the aimlessness that is so prevalent among high school students these days. Please note the word aimlessness in that last sen- tene e. I remember that a few years ago at Cheverus I told the students that too many of the high school students I remarked loit- ering about favorite haunts in the city reminded me of freight box- cars: they appeared to be absolutely aimless. A box-car has neither head nor tail, no evidence of directiong it goes where it is hauled, shoved or shunted. It is devoid of all appearance of character. It is not attractive, merely utilitarian. So, a life that could have been intellectually aimed, but for want of thought and planning becomes aimless, animates a body that is fit only for use as a utilitarian labor device. Your education should prepare you for something better. In planning your future let me, as your spiritual leader, plead with you for a few moments to give serious thoughts to the work of the priesthood in this diocese. We need priests. This is the cry of Bishops everywhere and we are no exception here in Maine. We need priests to do the work of Jesus Christ Whom you have come to know as the Son of God and your Saviour, to preach His gospel, to administer His sacraments, to perpetuate Christian civilization, to save souls, including your own precious gift of immortality. Come, follow Me: this is the invitation of our gentle Christ to those willing to listen to Him as did His first apostles and ready to make the sacrifices necessary that His divine plan for mankind be realized. I beg you not to turn a deaf ear to this invitation. Reflect, pray, seek advice and direction from your wise teachers among the Jesuit Fathers. The need is great and I would be happy to ordain more Cheverus men to the holy priesthood. That the grace of a divine vocation may be granted to many of you, and that serving God may be a career for those who listen and heed the call is my earnest prayer. With a prayer that God may bless you all and by His Providence direct you in a noble aim in life, I remain, Yours sincerely in' Christ, Bishop of Portland. hx ..