Mount St Mary Academy - Mercian Yearbook (Little Rock, AR)

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The Must Heverend Albert L. Fletcher, UI. ' gigs of GENE IQMA l

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FUHEWUHD More than a century ago, the Sisters of Mercy set foot on the soil of Arkansas, following the divine command of their Master, Going there- fore, teach ye all nations, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Leaving the old World, they came to the new to teach, to instruct, and to impart the works of mercy. Inspired by the spirit of Holy Mother Church and emulating the pioneers of colonial days, they founded their first institution of learning on the banks of the Arkansas to safeguard the faith of a growing generation. The beginning was simple and humble but it survived in spite of war and periods of intolerance, as well as of restoration. With resources meager and numbers few, this foundation was moved a few years later, into the heart of the city, where work was again begun on a new institution. Time, the inexorable foe of human labors, took heavy toll of the once commodious school during the fleeting years. Its classrooms were no longer ample for the eager throng seeking admission, its conveniences too archaic for the modern students, so St. Mary's sought a new location, and the third foundation was located here at the Mount, in Pulaski Heights. After almost another half century, time again has taken its heavy toll and of necessity expansion must take place. With God's help, the encouragement of .our beloved Bishop, and the generous support of clergy, alumnae, friends and Well-wishers, we are now looking forward to a newer, larger, better edifice which can rise from the foundations of old, with 'Tor God and country engraved on its corner stone. It is our fondest hope that our new school will be a credit to both, and as the years move on, may it send forth into the arena of public life and into the ranks of religion, true and zealous devotees, with love and homage for their Creator, and loyalty and devotion for their America. Thus the MERCIAN of 1953 attempts to portray, in picture and in story, some aspects of the training, during school days, which prepares the St. Mary's graduate to take her place in the world of tomorrow.

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UEDIU-XTIU HIS EXEELLENEY we f RUel el'lJ.f4!Lel f ol? jkffhef, 3- 3. Bishop nf Little Huck A great soul, a fine character, a rare intellect, command respect and admiration in every walk of life. The world points with pride to a Columbus, a Washington, a Lincoln as benefactors of humanity, revealing new worlds, winning the freedom of a downtrodden nation, preserving the unity and integrity of a country. Their names are household words, their fame spreads far and wide, their deeds inspire young and old. In life they were feted and applauded, in death they are honored and revered. But more than three decades in the priesthood of Jesus Christ and, of these, more than a decade as a shepherd of souls outweigh and outshine all the achievements of the world however great and glorious they may be. This is the record of our shepherd of souls, the Most Rev. Albert Lewis Fletcher, Bishop of Little Rock. Historians may not chronicle his career, tradition may neglect his triumphs, but on that day of days when time is merged into eternity, all mankind will learn of his heroic life, and the Just Judge will render him the crown of justice. To him, as our Spiritual Leader, a humble and saintly man of God, a patron of learning, an apostle of progress, zealously interested in the advance of Catholic education in his Diocese, and because he has lent Wholehearted encouragement and support to Mt. St. Mary's plans for expansion, we, the class of 1953, gratefully and lovingly dedicate our yearbook, The MERCIAN. li Feed the Flock of God, which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God. And when the Prince of Pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never failing crown of glory. QI Peter, V. 2-4.3 l!