St Marys Academy - Chimes Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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GO TO MARY S THE LITTLE COUNTRY TOWN of High Point dozed to the musical twitter- ing of robins, the bright spring sun Haunted its colors and rose beyond the evergreen hills. With the sun rose Father O'Malley, rector of the sole parish in High Point. Proceeding across the gravel road to Saint An-thony's, he offered his Mass for each parishioner. Each parishionerf' he contemplated, has an entirely different personality-and few have the same - problems. The priest's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Reds Farrell, his prize altar boy. Father, the boy said, Mom -told me to ask you to stop out today. Her spirits are pretty low,'l he added sadly. Sure, Reds, replied the priest, t'I'll try my best to do that. As the sun descended into dusk, Father O'Malley sat on Farrell's porch with Mrs. Far- rell. Father, I'm at a loss as to what to do next, the woman cried desperately. Reds' father just just won't come to Mass. He refuses to have anything to do with religion. When I ask him if he's lost his faith completely, he ignores me. He's so hardened. It's gotten to the point now where he's almost forbidden Reds to serve Mass! What can I do?l' The priest remained silent for a moment, then advised the sorrowful woman. His parting words were, Our one hope is prayer, Mrs. Farrell. You and I must go to Maryf' Days passed into weeks. There was little change in Mr. Farrell's fallen-away attitude. Weeks advanced into months. One Sunday morning, four faces at Saint Anthony's altar rail were particularly radiant-Father O'Mal- ley's, Mrs. Farrell's, her son's-and her hus- band's. The wanderer had returned to the flock. The scorch.ing July sun beat unmercifully on Father O'Malley's car. As he turned the road bend, the dry mud crunched under the car's wheels. MARIE COONAHAN, '55 The priest slowed down at a huge corn field and waved to Farmer Williams. Tall and white-haired, this man reminded one more of a distinguished executive, than a diligent farmer. He approached the car and placed his strong arms on the door. After discussing local news, Father O'Malley questioned the man abou-t his crops. Bill Williams shook his head, replying, The crops are sure a let down to us -this year, Father. If only we had some rain! This drought will set every farmer in High Point back plenty. Our funds'll be sparse this winter if the weather doesn't change. The priest's heart went out to these hard- working men. They would suffer an immense loss if their crops failed. HMy Words of sympathy won't help much, Billjl he answered, 'ibut maybe, words of prayer will. Why don't you and the family begin a Novena of Rosaries to Mary?'l Farmer Williams liked the idea and heeded it. A few weeks later, Father O'Malley turned the same road bend on a sick call. The car's wheels skidded in the muddy slush, and the rain beat violently on the windshield. Seeing him pass, Bill Williams murmured a silent prayer of thanks to Mary for -the rain, and to her Son for such a noble clergyman. Time was stealing by swiftly and High Point was in the midst of its autumn beauty. Trees arrayed in hues of gold, brown, and scarlet surrounded Saint Anthonyls Church.. jack Nel- son found the rector raking leaves. The priest halted and greeted the young man. ftHello, Jack, what can I do for you? Nothing for me, Father, but I've got to speak to you about Bobby. He followed the priest over to the rectory porch and began. Well, Father, I guess you know about my promise to Mom to complete Bobby's educa- tion. The priest nodded agreement. Yes, she told me shortly before her death last year, jack.

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Therefore, my duty as a friend compels me to come begging. Oh, here they come with my ice cream! Thank you for keeping me company all this time. Columkill helped me to descend from his ship and then started its motor. As I stood watching lend an ear to . . . him, I could not help smiling at the way he had imitated a woman, shrieking in distress so that he could attract us. After a while, I lost sight of the disc. Most of my neighbors will soon forget Columkill, but never will I forget that person who made last Saturday such a memorable one for me. Information Incorporated C6 OOD AFTERNOON, Mertinteen Ga- zette's aceman reporting. Whols calling, please? Oh, so it's the SPIRIT of '55, You say you are interested in knowing what has become of the class over which you presided. Hold the line while I finish typing the last line of this copy before it goes to press. Wait a minute, I'll read it to youf' Newsy Notes. Good-morning, America. Well, are you wondering what your neighbors are doing? Then read on and you will find out because This Is Your Gossip Column. A new show I would recommend to all opened on Broadway last night, entitled My Many Loves, starring Barbara Roach. We can't overlook the Met, where Eileen Clearkin is packing the house. What a thrill I had last night to see Loretta, Lydia, Carol, Joan, Pat, Mary Ann, Ann Marie, Jeannette, Kathy Zerbey and Ann Cundey capped. Ah, what an honorable profession! I hear that Joann was Queen of the Senior Cotillion recently held at La Salle College. Her court consisted of Barbara Jardel, Lorraine and Dolores. Their gowns were designed by the B 81 H Dress Corporation, headed by Ann Behan and Judy Huss. Entertainment for the evening was supplied by Anna Bonelli, who played the accordion, and the featured soloist of the night was the well known recording artis-t, Barbara Eitler. One of the most popular attractions on Steel Pier this season is a snake charmer by the name of Barbara Steward. Remember the name- Stu and Her Educated Snakes. Ginny, Mary and Jane opened a Women's apparel shop. 7 MARLENE SEEBER, '55 Anna McAleer and Marilyn Leary are the new owners of a motion picture theatre. Their policy is to show only Scottish films produced and directed by Ann Neish. I just finished reading one of the best sellers of the day, FRANKly Speaking, by Bernie Nickels, Katy Yeager has won a trip to Europe for her composition Why I'm Always In the Nick of Time. The contest was sponsored by the Coonahan Food Company, under the guidance of its chief dietitian, Miss Marie. Mary Jo has been acclaimed as one of our outstanding medical secretaries. She is espe- cially efficient when it comes time to send out the BILLS. Pat Laughlin is Letty's private secretary. They are distributors for the Larem Record Corporation. - Barbara Tormey and Kathleen Joyce invited me to the opening of their newest Diner. Yes, the girls chose a profitable profession because everybody must eat. I recognized two of the waitresses, Sheila and Alice. The cashier was none other than Lois. Gerry has become official issuer of afflDAVits in City Hall. Doctors LiVolsi and Eichner are trying to discover a cure for one of the oldest and most dread diseases, Studyitis. Before you read this column, Peggy will have received her degree in psychiatry from Connell University. Congratulations! This is your roving reporter signing off, leav- ing you with this thought for today, Make everyone else's business your own. Until next time, I remain your favorite gossip.

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'fHow can I do that when Bob refuses to go back to college? He's of age and I can't force him. He says two years more of his life will be wasted if he returns. I'll have a talk with him, Jack, but I honestly think he'll have to realize his own mistake. Meanwhile, ask his heavenly Mother to set his thinking straight. Father O'Malley discussed the case with Bob. The boy was willing -to listen but reluctant to heed. No, Father, I just cant see the point of going to school when I can be making money right now. Thanks for your advice, though. Yes, the priest thought, Uthanks for advice which is disregarded while you are breaking the entire plan of your lifef' jack's and Father O'Malleyls prayers were not in vain, though. During the following weeks, a humble boy came to bid the priest good-bye. Yes, Father, I can see your point. I donlt know what made me change my mind but Ilm on the right track nowf, How gratifying these words were to Father OlMalley's ears! A coating of deep white snow frosted every nook and corner of High Point. Father O'Malley had just finished mounting the evergreens by the Christmas Crib. He came inside from the cold, 7 6Zl The 22nd of August now seems far away, Yet how could I forget that memorable day. The start of a week packed full of fun, With joy and excitement for everyone. The train finally came and on we stumbled, The IO nomads, loaded with bundles. It wasn't long before we stopped, This was New York, believe it or not. A little bewildered we found our way To the hotel where we were to stay. Our room surprised us, to say the least, And with these surroundings, our pleasures increased. Who could forget those nights without sleep, Gilly Gilly, Pious Drip, or wet feet? Every night we were entertained, By a singer and dancer, now what were their names?? bleak night and began tossing logs on the fire. A loud knock brought him to the door. Young Joe Miller stumbled in, his face as white as a sheet. 'fFather, come quickly, he urged. My wife is deathly sick. She just got a bad case of pneumonia and Doctor jenkins says she has little chance to liveli' As they hastened to joe's home, Father O'Mal- ley tried to calm the man. On their arrival, the doctor was leaving, Margaret Miller had died. joe could not be comforted. The priest im- plored him to pray to Mary for comfort and he placed this case, also, in her hands. The sad, young husband mourned incessantly for months. Then, gradually, he seemed to find a new outlook on life and began again. Father O'Malley knew the Comforter of the Afflicted was joe's source of hope. So proceeded this noble country priest's life- a life of work, sacrifice, worry, salvation of souls and an implicit faith in Our Lady. Years passed as fleetly as a deer, leaving this faithful Irish priest old and tired. On a beautiful day in May, Father OlMalley was recalled from duty. As the flicker of the blessed candle lighted up his dying face, the loved voice was heard to murmur, Yes, Mary, I'm coming. BW Besides all the fun, we were holy, too, God had been good to us-this we knew. Then there were classes, lectures and such, We surveyed the huge campus, taking in much. Father Campbell amused us, it was easy to see, As Ransom the Captive became our new plea. The nuns who were with us helped, we agree, To classes they sent us, to hear and to see. Bernie and Mert, our two program directors, Tried their best to avoid all the lectures. The days passed too quickly, as all good things do, And before we knew it, the six days were through. The Farewell Dance finished things off just right, By George! It was really an incredible night. As homeward we travelled, we all confessed, These days had been the greatest -really the best. Mary Boyle, '56