St Ignatius College - Ignatian Yearbook (San Francisco, CA)

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ROVINGS OF A HJACKIEL' 31 Sunday. The pulpit is one mass of beautifully carved Italian marble, lily white. The plush pews surrounding the huge marble pillars that seem to extend to the skies, the magnificently stained glass windows, the massive or- gan set up in the choir, all came under my observation. In seating capacity the Cathedral compares with St. Ignatius Church. Personally I would not vouch which would accommodate the most people. The primary nature of 1ny visit was Confession, and as I looked at the throngs of people waiting in line to seek the confessional, I was beginning to doubt if I should have the honor of making my Easter confession there. Of a sudden an idea came to me. I saw two gen-' tlemen conversing in low tones in the rear of the church. I went up to them, stated my case, explaining that my time was so limited that a long delay might mean no confession at all for me. They almost fell over one another in their efforts. One sought a gentleman standing a few feet away, whom I presume was the watchman, for when my case was explained he waited not for one more word but made me follow him. I saw him directing me to a confessional where if there was one there were a hundred men and women waiting in line. I wanted to argue with him for I felt a little peculiar, but he would have none of it and he planted me at the head of the procession. He explained to the first few that I was leaving' the city in a few hours, and you'd think I was a king the way the people smiled at me and bowed away. One lady was just on the point of walk- ing into the confessional, but when she heard him speak she wheeled around and insisted that I go in ahead of her. I was so touched that I could not even mumble a thanks. I made my confession and the priest that heard it was surely a wonder. After I had finished and left the church, on my way back home, I don't think that I have ever felt happier in my life and every day of my life

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30 THE IGNATIAN We haven't been told what arrangemcntS to make f01' mail, so you had better not write until I let you know fur- ther. How do you feel today? Both well and contented, I hope, with neither worrying about their big son. Remember, Mother, your promise to be a good girl, and Dad, dear. don't forget that you are the guardsman. Good-night, and all my love to you both. Charlie. Ellis Island, March 31, 1918. Easter Sunday Morning, ll o'clock A. M. My Dearest Dad and Mother: Ilm so happy this Easter morning that I don't think that I will be able to propel my pen quickly enough to tell you all my thoughts. To begin with the beginning: Last night after I had written you from the Y. RI. C. A., I started out for Saint Patricks Cathedral. It was only a few blocks away and I had no difficulty finding it. I stepped in, expecting to find the ordinary church decorations, but I was literally swept off my feet at the grandeur and splendor that were unveiled to my eyes. If there is anything more beautiful in the whole world. it will take a great deal of argumentation on some one's part to convince me. lYere you inside, Mother? I will not undertake even a feeble description of the interior, because I firmly believe that no human being has de- scriptive powers sufficient to give one even the slightest pen picture of it. There are side altars and alcoves every few feet, the most wonderful creations that the hand of man can accomplish. Priceless paintings and statues seem to adorn every crevice. These altars extend along the side and behind the main altar, so that I was enabled to encircle the entire church. The main altar is one mass of glory and was fully adorned with flowers banked on every side, as the scene was set for Easter

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32 THE I G NA Tl A N I will recall the whole incident, it was all so wonderful. I had a bite to eat and was in bed by 10 o'clock. I was awake at six o'clock, had my breakfast at the H-Y and was down to get the boat at the Battery at 7:50 for the island. W'e had no sooner set foot on the island when I heard Church Call being' sounded on the bugle. I hurried upstairs to the Knights of Columbus hall and found myself just in time for Mass. There were about three hundred boys in blue assembled and quite a num- ber of women nurses from the army hospital. Mother. it was beautiful and the priest gave a talk that touched our hearts. He said that it was the most beautiful ceremony that he ever officiated at and further that he pre- ferred to be making his Easter offering here than in any of the world's finest cathedrals. At the conclusion of the Mass all sang Come Holy Ghost and I might add that the eyes of the women were bedimmed with tears as we filed out and you can be sure that the memory of the event will live forever in all our hearts. I was so happy that I went below and despatched a telegram to you. Now for your letters of the 20th and 22nd. That must have been quite a spectacle prepared for John Hcformick. I guess that it's only another prcof that San Francisco knows how. There is no low down, Dad, about prospects at Pelham: as I said before we were all disappointed, but in times like these no complaints should be made. IYC are all as happy and look forward to another opportunity. Mother, dear, you must be having' a great time alone with the other mothers CXCl12'lll0'll'1Q' stories about my Fu son. I suppose llill Sheehan was a pleased sailor boy when he received orders to come East. There is nothing like it in the world, folks: the more a fellow sees, the greater and broader will be his experience when all is