St Francis Xavier Academy - Gateway Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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ofet your alight csjhlne How far the little candle throws its gleam So shines a good deed in a naughty world. So observed the philosopher and poet, William Shakespeare. It is a beautiful comparison, but not entirely his own, for, many centuries before the Elizabethan Age, the King of philosophy and poetry, jesus Christ, told His followers, You are the light of the world . . . men light a candle upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the houseg so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. That mess- age He imparted to all who were to possess the Faith, not merely to those who were then His disciples. It was for us, that we may use the candle, not only to light our own path to the Eternal Light, but to attract others to its lucidity, warmth and glory. This candle, lovely and inspiring, stands in a window, the window of Charity in the House of God. It burns quietly, but lights, warms and beautifles a cold heart, and by its very simplicity and unassuming richness, enlightens the labyrinths of sin and chastises proud spirits. So can we, the present disciples of the King, take that candle, following always its light, and keep ever constant the fire of our Faith. By our words and ac- tions, throughout our lives, what- ever may be our state, we may reflect its gentle light to all with whom we come in contact. Nu- merous and frequent will come opportunities to melt the icy heart, to enkindle the lukewarm and to guide the fervent. Thus will be the candle's gleam: far- flung yet steadfast, universal yet constant, glorious yet quiet, mighty yet humble! KATHLEEN MAX. -,,.. . 18

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.Z Vessel of ought A woman etched in loveliness, A vessel of light shall be, To hold aloft in her bright lamp, The Light for the world to see. T'was God Himself, gave her the spark Not many years agog And many hands along the way Have fanned the gentle glow. And she, adorned exquisitely, Shall hold the fragile flame: Within the keeping of her heart Shall guard her precious claim. Simplicity and purity, With tenderness combined, Have made the clearest, safest place To keep the flame enshrined. And Faith has made it strong and sure, And Trust has made it fine, And Love has been the candle Where the Light may always shine. And with this light she sees the way Along life's darkened fare Nor shall she ever trade her prize For all the earth's false glare. Yet this is not her gift alone, But she must spread the Light, For every spark that kindles lo'w Adds brightness to the night. And all the world turns hopefully To her to lead the way To lift Christ high, Light of the World That we may have the Day. BETTY SANDKAUT '48 20