St Francis Xavier Academy - Xavier Yearbook (Providence, RI)

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Ojlip Stmseft Iraillp 6 gstem FOR many years the Catholics of the United States have been called upon, for various reasons, to help their less fortunate brethren. The most recent appeal is a plea for the study of the Revised Braille, a system by which the blind are taught to read. This appeal comes from Reverend Joseph Stadleman, S. J., of the Xavier Free Publishing Society for the Blind, New York City. Reverend Father Stadleman has been the apostle of the Blind for more than twenty years. During those years he transcribed hundreds of Catholic books into the New York Point and into the American Braille, among them the Bible in fourteen volumes—a stupendous task. He placed these books in state libraries where he believed they would be of best service, and he began to feel that the greatest part of his struggle was completed and that his voyage would henceforth be “smooth sailing.' when a new condition of affairs overwhelmed him. The Commission on Uniform Type for the Blind decided upon a new system, to be known as the Revised Braille for Reading and Writing. This meant that the life-labor of the American pioneer Apostle of the Blind ceased to be of value except to the present generation. It was truly a tragic climax to twenty years of unwearied self-sacrifice. Many another would have despaired in seeing his life work crumbling before his eyes, but not so this noble Crusader. It was as if he saw future generations calling to him for light—for books from which they might learn the truths of our holy Religion, for books through which they could maintain their position in the world— and with this vision the ardor of youth seemed to return to him. He began work again. He mastered the Revised Braille System, and he has today an extensive library of books transcribed according to the improved method. But the demand for books is far greater than the out-put. Reverend Father Stadleman needs co-laborers in his vineyard, for there are three special classes of blind people that he desires to benefit: those desirous of higher education, soldiers who have returned blind from the World War, and children in public institutions. The benefit of text books was clearly shown by the fact that two blind girls recently graduated with honors from Trinity College, Washington, because all their class books had been trans- cribed into Braille. The second class will undoubtedly appeal to us. The lonely hours of our soldiers who gave their sight that we might enjoy liberty can be made bright and cheerful if we are able to provide them with profitable reading. And thirdly, the fate of Catholic blind children is indeed a serious problem. There are but three Catholic institutions for the blind in the United States, two in New York and one in New Jersey. Since it is impossible for all blind children to be accommodated in these three “The Xavier' Page Twenty-One

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especially remembered because St. Xavier’s was honored by a visit from the noted and venerable Belgian Prelate, Cardinal Mercier, who had come to America to thank the people for their support in behalf of suffering Belgians. Gymnasium, and the daily use of the compass now became the features of the Junior’s program. Yes, we drew perfect circles (leaving the imprint of the compass on the desk). At this point, the original composition of poetry was our great boast. May of this year, the girls had the privilege of making a retreat. It was con- ducted by Rev. Michael O’Brien, who was truly a spiritual inspiration to the classes. The girls sang their hymns each morning at Holy Mass, and each afternoon at Bene- diction. On the last morning all received our Divine Lord in Holy Communion, and left His Holy Presence feeling spiritually strengthened for their future work. The whole school also had breakfast that morning in the Convent hall. The days of days! We were Seniors at last! What did the word “senior mean for us? Especially good example for the younger girls by our demeanor and silence on the corridor and stairs, between periods. This was not very difficult, for we were always noted for our observance of quietness. Class election now took up the attention of all, and although there was much talk and excitement, it passed smoothly, the result giving us for class officers, Catherine Fitzgerald, president; Jeanette Caulfield vice-president; Margaret M. Barry, treasurer; and Helen L. Phelan, secretary: four girls whose only aim is and has been the welfare and betterment of the class. The distinguishing event of November was the Annual Academy Sale. The class of 1921 aspired to the success of their predecessors of '20; and were amply rewarded by surpassing them. However, we feel that the experience and good example of the girls of '18, '19, and ’20 played no little part in the success of ’21. After the excite- ment of the sale, studies were earnestly resumed until the approach of Christmas, when the accustomed play had to be chosen and prepared. This was very easily settled, and the play “Scrooge was given a few days before the holidays. The principal roles, taken by Anna Taft and Helen Phelan were well acted. After the play a very effective Pantomine, “Nativity. was also given by the Seniors. This beautiful tableau filled every heart with the real Christmas spirit, and all went home for the holidays, the memory of Bethlehem’s Crib influencing them. The mid-year holidays and classes were resumed early in January. Because the year 1921 is Dante’s sex-centenary, we began the study of the “Divine Comedy. To aid us in the appreciation of this masterpiece, we secured the services of Dr. Walsh, the celebrated lecturer of Fordham, New York. He traced the world’s estimate of Dante in a most scholarly way, and dismissed us with a longing to learn more of the Great Florentine, pronounced the world’s poet. 1 hrough the four years, especially through this last one, we have been waiting patiently for our graduation date, and although we feel sure that it will be a happy day, there will be much regret in leaving dear old S. X. A. No matter to what corner of the world its members may go, the class of ’21 will always be faithful and loyal to Alma Mater; this is our present and firm resolve. —Eileen Murphy Page T ivenly The Xavier’’

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schools, Father Stadleman hopes that his books may reach non-Catholic institutions, so that Catholics there may learn something of their religion. Realizing the scope of Father Stadleman’s work, the International Federation of Catholic Alumnae has responded to his appeal. The Federation has established, in its Department of Education, a bureau of Revised Braille. This was accomplished through the efforts of Miss Louise Banton of Emmitsburg, Maryland. During the World War she contributed her quota of service to our Country by mastering the Revised Braille System and transcribing books for the soldiers who had become blind. Just after the War, May, 1919, the I. F. C. A. held its third biennial convention, at which Miss Banton suggested a resolution that Catholic blind children be provided with Catholic literature. She generously offered her knowledge to the Federation, even proposing to teach the course by correspondence. The Federation gladly adopted her plan, and Miss Banton began work at once. Before the close of the year she had issued twenty- eight certificates, and the recipients of these commenced the work of transcription. Some of the books transcribed were Joyce Kilmer’s “Memoirs, “The Life of Cardinal New- man,” “Blind Rosa, and The Life of Saint Anthony.” The course required to fit one for the work of transcribing extends over a period of three months. The student first memorizes the Braille alphabet, then transcribes ordi- nary print into the Revised Braille. These transcriptions are corrected by a proof- reader and, when perfect, are presented to Reverend Father Stadleman, who arranges for the printing, binding, and circulation of books. He leaves the transcriber free to select whatever Catholic book she may wish to offer, provided it has not already been done. The printing of books is only one feature of the work undertaken by the I. F. C. A. The Chairman also wishes that members of the Federation locate the Catholic blind in their neighborhood so that they may be given the opportunity of learning Chris- tian Doctrine and of receiving books which are lent free by the Xavier Free Publication Society. I am happy to be able to complete this little account by reporting that a class in Revised Braille has been formed at our own beloved Academy. Miss Trainor, a blind teacher, and Mrs. Taff of the I. F. C. A. come to Saint Xavier’s every Saturday from Boston to conduct the class work. The class consists of four Sisters of St. Xavier’s Con- vent and members of the three federated Alumnae Associations of Rhode Island—Elm- hurst, Bayview and St. Xavier’s. We congratulate these members on their noble, self-sacrificing spirit and we trust that their generous labors will inspire many others to follow them. —Elizabeth Williams ‘There is so much bad in the best of us. And so much good in the worst of us. That it hardly behooves any of us. To talk about the rest of us. Page Twenty-Two “The Xavier