Our Lady of Lourdes High School - Knight Yearbook (Marinette, WI)

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WTQ S f. V vb s B . Q LADIES Heroic qualities-the qualities of a knight are not uncommon in the gentler sex. A certain degree of heroism enters into the character and life of all women, whether or not by great services it attracts the attention of the public. lt has marked many of the illustrious women of the Bible, of Grecian and Roman an- tiquity, and especially those whom chivalry produced in medieval Europe. Even now, in our modern times, intrepidity and courage has made many a woman fa- mous. However, these illustrious women who performed feats of courage and gal- lantry usually belonged to the nobility. Thus it is extraordinary that such a per- son as Joan of Arc should deliver France from the enemy. She rose from the humbler class and could neither read nor write, yet God chose her, a gentle, pious maiden to save her country and in His name she succeeded. Joan's life was exceedingly simple. As other peasant girls she had her daily tasks to perform at home, and when not needed there she devoted her self to nurs- ing the sick. She was very fond of attending the village church-her faith in God was as strong as her dauntless courage. Unknowingly she was preparing herself for her future career, both with the world and with God. Joan frequently had heavenly visitants. It was through these visions that she learned how France was to be delivered-and never was a maid more willing to obey. joan had no love for the masculine armor she wore during battles and on marchesg yet she willingly donned it to the end, because it was God's command. She did not, however, acquire any masculine airs 5 she never fought in battle, yet conquer she did. Her sword was found worked on her banner surrounded by the names Jesus and Mary, but it was not found by her side. She was the leader of an immense French army. Though a girl she held this body of men in her hand. Her orders were never disobeyed. She rode through the camps, rousing the courage of her soldiers. No matter how many and how great the thwarts to her plans, she possessed one staunch virtue-fortitude. She arose with courage at every mistake and the end was victory. The people of Joan's time thought her resolution was perfectly absurd, but God had ordained it and she obeyed. Thus, too, must we carry out our life work, no matter what oppositions assail us. Like Joan, we too, must prepare ourselves for the battle of life by making our school time a stepping stone to the future. We must make friends with the angels and saints, as did wise Joan, for they are the only true friends we possess who willingly help us in time of need. Like Joan, we should but wear the armor of moritlication and penance to wage war upon the enemies of our souls, and never put it aside till we have fought the last battle. What better weapons could we use than those of prayer and a pure life? If we want to conquer like Joan, we must also bravely bear the trials and diliiculties of life to the end. Then victory will be ours. RUTH LAVOY, '27. VX , . In ' - 9- , ' ' 5 , 'N f ,, 1' .Gi .5-W62'f 5'1'L', Qs-'SJW' ss ' M -3 W Page 48

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R V 9' R . e -1 ,- A fi wiireim .41'. 'fs'-3' Q ., - .few Another trait of this age was the great desire of men to give expression to their thoughts and ideals in the realms of art. The beautiful Gothic temples, the wonderful paintings and sculptures, the magnificent architecture are the monu- ments that show the wonderful influence of Catholic ideals. It was in this age of fervent faith that Dante lived and died, and above all left us his immortal work, the Divine Comedy. This work is divided into three parts, Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso. In his Inferno Dante divides hell into nine circles, meting out punishments according to the evils chosen. The Purgatorio shows the repentent soul expiating its faults. Thus far in his journey through hell and purgatory Dante is led by Virgil who is the symbol of Human Reason. But here Virgil leaves, for Human Reason can travel no farther. From now on Beatrice, the symbol of Divine Revelation, leads. She guides him through the various heavens until they reach the Empyrean, where Dante is transfigured and beholds the Beatific Vision. In the Paradiso, Dante reaches the sublimest height of his poetic nature where human thought and human speech can mount no higher. Dante, the poet of Catholic Ideals! How exquisitely these few words por- tray the man who has given to the world an imperishable gift, the man whose life was an exemplification of his ideals. All Christians must unite in gratitude to the Florentine who, on the banks of the Arno, first beheld his eternal Beatrice and raised his voice in the sweet new style, a style like a light that had the power to transfigure whatever object it fell upon. How appropriate the words written by Michael Angelo: VVhat should be said of him, speech may not tell, His splendor is too great for men's dim sight. JOHN DORANI, ,27. Illustrations and etchings were drawn by the artists: FRANCIS P1-'IESTER DoR1s ALLARD FRANCIS MONROE BERNADINE SLIGER 'N 6 to' N7 O -wi'-ff a Af-we O f S25 C' eve 0v'mKv. 01:55 dawg A 8531 i Page 47

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