Immaculate Conception High School - Immaculata Yearbook (Connellsville, PA)

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THE IMMACULATA IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HIGH SCHOOL If , v. mmpses into the :fe ofthe late Reverend ' ather ' urns iii' Reverend John T. Burns was born in Gallitzin, Cambria County. Pennsylvania, May 26, 1856. He was educated in the public schools, passed three years at St. Michael's Seminary and prepared for the priest- hood at St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, Pa. There he was known as a regular fellow and was one of the star athletes. In 1882 he was ordained to the holy priesthood and took up his life's work in Brownsville. For the first fifteen years after his ordination he was a missionary priest. In 1896 he was transferred to Connellsville to the Immaculate Conception parish. Now his real trials began. The new church had been built but a heavy debt left on the parish. Father Burns not only cleared this debt hut built the school and parish house as well. The progress of the school was of great interest to him and to this project he devoted very much of his time. He knew by name every pupil from the first to the last grade in school andidid they know him! It is not uncommon even now to hear people who were in the parish school during Father Burns' pastorate, proudly boast of the corrections received from him, nor were any of them resented because Father Burns knew what he was doing and his decisions were always final. In all activities that his parishioners carried on. Father Burns was always greatly interested. He was a great baseball fan and the grandstand at every game was graced by his welcome presence. The Knights of Columbus and various other societies flourished under his encouragement. His good works are remembered by all. An incident is related how he took off the shoes he was wearing and gave them to a man that needed them. Does this not teach us poor, proud laymen a great and noble lesson in charity? 'l he sweet remembrance of the just 911111 ll0lll'lSl'l w hen he sleeps in dust. if - Pi 'i4 :i f-f Vi Wiz 7+ f---W 4--- '

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THE IM MACULATA IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HIGH SCHOOL flDnlz'm1 inn 'l'o the blessed, happy memory of the late Very Reverend Father John T. Burns, our former beloved pastor, who for more than a quarter of a century lived in our midst and so wholeheartedly, zealously, and un- tireingly devoted himself in laboring for the interests of our parish and school, to say nothing of his unbounded charity to the poor. suffering, and unfortunateg the Junior Class of 1935 humbly and lovingly dedictate this Commencement Number of The Immaculata . By this meagre act of respect and reverence, we wish to express sincere and grateful appreciation of what has been done for us by one whose spirit still sur- vives for:- to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die . Inadequate though this simple, well-meant tribute beg may it. in a silent, little way, contribute to the cancelling of a debt of gratitude we owe to him who was loved and revered by all who knew him. Whose image may never depart. Deep graven on each grateful heart. 'l'ill memory he dead! Q1'util1u1v is the memory of rhe hcurtf'

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THE IMMALULATA IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HIGH SCHOOI lt was a common thing during the great World War to see the be- loved figure of Father Burns standing on a truck or street corner exhort- ing his fellow citizens to be loyal to their country. He was also known as a four mlnute speaker at meetings in theatres, etc., during this period. ln fact, he worked so unceasingly and cheerfully in the inter- ests of others that his very name became a household word. He was loved by all who knew him and every mouth spoke nothing but praise of him. Even though he was suffering intensely for years from an illness that was slowly sapping his life, Father Burns discharged faithfully every last duty. Finally, the atfliction got the best of him and in May, 1921, he passed away to his eternal reward. One feels sure that this good soul received much and a blessed recompense as a result of such a virtuous life as was his. llis death was quite a shock to the entire community. Business houses were closed during his funeral in homage and reverence to the great man, humble in his glory, who was loved and respected by people of every creed. The holy remembrance of Father Burns is dear to many parishioners, young and old, of Immaculate Conception parish. How applicable is the saying. Deeds live on. That charity alone endures which flows from a sense of duty and a hope in God. This is the charity that treads in secret those paths of misery from which all hut the lowest of human wretches have lledg this is the charity which no labor can weary, no ingratitude detach, no honor disgust: that toils, that pardons, that suffers: that is seen by no man, and honored by no man, but, like the great laws of nature, does the work of God in silence. and looks to a future and better world for its reward. lil oftht fllfli is placed f f iw? W in tht mtmory of the living. f- - - H -A' ' '-