St Marys Academy - Chimes Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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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

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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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heed the decree of the CELESTIAL COUNCIL NE HEAVENLY DAY, the saintly in- habitants of the Deistic world decided to hold a celestial meeting in St. Peterys Palace on Cloud Number Nine. This assembly was scheduled for half past the North Star and all the blessed members were asked to arrive promptly. St. Peter wisely advocated prompt- ness, for a halo-hazard prevailed in heaven. The sacred female spirits of Paradise, on previous occasions, had arrived la-te, due to their compar- ing halos enroute. It was paradisiacal spring, you see, and millions and millions of feminine halos gleamed and glistened-the bigger and brighter, the better. This hallowed difficulty was brought to Chairman Peter's attention and he urged the weaker sex to be punctual, for the problem at hand was serious. The pious residents appeared on schedule and there was much discussion on ethereal topics, such as: the recent successes of terrestrial rela- tives and friends, the contemptible exploits of Lucifer, the new additions to their heavenly ranks+while one ancient scholar couldn't quite discover the reason why earthlings consented to wear publicly those appalling Bermuda shorts. Chairman Peter called this boisterous group to order and presented the topic for discussion. It seemed that Almighty God had been su- premely disturbed of late, and St. Peter, with the able assistance of the Blessed Mother had uncovered the cause for His august disturbance. The Chairman then continued to explain how Mary had very tactfully learned that the dear Lord was extremely worried about the spiritual welfare of His people. The ungrateful mortals constantly committed sins and seemed to have forgotten their purpose in life. God felt that this disaster was due to the lack of sisters and priests to spread His Word and care for spiritual needs. Chairman Peter then opened the meeting to suggestions. St. john rose and stated, NPete, I'd gladly go back to earth and relive a whole life- time for our dear Master. Some impulsive souls agreed with him, but others had inspired ideas of their own. St. Margaret Mary felt that JOANN BECKER, '55 she should be allotted a committee for the pur- pose of placing a picture of the Sacred Heart in every home. Some industrious spirits volun- teered. There was so much confusion that the chair failed to recognize a slender but firm hand being raised. In an obscure corner of the room the Blessed Mother had pensively con- sidered the problem and now patiently awaited an opportunity to speak. Shortly, the din having been subdued, the Chairman graciously gave this esteemed guest permission to address the assembly. My dear childrenfi began Mother Mary, these are in- deed unholy times and I feel, as does my Son, that the evident lack of religious vocations is causing this present crisis. Now, on earth there are many girls and boys named in your honor. I feel, if you vigilantly prod your namesakes, more sacred callings will result. This wise suggestion was applauded by all and St. Peter quickly called for a vote on the proposi- tion. The council unanimously agreed to Mary's proposal and Chairman Peter moved that the Celestial Council be adjourned. Peterls brother, Andrew, seconded the motion and the Church Triumphant returned to their heavenly dwell- ings. Now, if your name should happen to be Peter and you hear a deep voice calling you to the priesthood, you had better listen, for S-t. Peter is a very obstinate fellow. Or, if your Christian name is john and a gentle voice draws you to the brotherhood, heed his words, for St. John is inflamed with love for Christ. Mary, if a sweet voice is audible to you and you feel an attraction to the sisterhood, sign your name on the dotted line, for the Blessed Mother will persist until you join the ranks of God's hand- maids. Boys and girls everywhere, listen very at- tentively as you perform your daily activities, for your patron saints have many areas to cover. Donlt force them to drag you by the collar, but go along willingly, so that these zealous workers of God can give Chairman Peter a good report at the next meeting of the Celestial Council.