St Marys Academy - Chimes Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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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.

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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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HIS FIRST DA TE T WAS THE FLASHY, colored advertisement that attracted Andy's attention as he walked down the corridor. This showy poster was a sure enough sign that the Freshman Dance was going to be held soon. During the entire day, there was a continual buzzing from one to the other, each debating how, when, and what girls they would ask to their biggest dance of the year. Finally, after a heated controversy, they decided that each one must muster enough courage to ask a 'Kgirlf' Now for Andy, with his bashful ways, this would be pure torment. With heavy, lead-like steps, he trudged un- steadily toward the phone. After awkwardly lifting up the black instrument of torture, he proceeded to dial Denise's number. With in- creasing nervousness, he switched the conversa- tion from sports, to weather, to popular songs, Daddy, will you come with me And review a path which I can see? It covers all my sixteen years With all their smiles, and yes, some tears. I know I seldom gave a thought To him who paid for the things I bought, Who squealed and carried on with me, When I was but a tot of three. You bought the dolly on my bed, The two of us were both well fed. You dressed me like a princess fine, When you and I went out to dine. Through sacrifices you have made, I find myself in this tenth grade, To learn to know the right from wrong, That in my soul I'll be more strong. You hear a thank you every day, And yet I know no better way So, let me say it just once more, Thank you, Daddy, more and more. I Nancy Halper, '57 GERRY MASINGTON, '55 BETTY EICHNER, '55 and then to the dance. Much to his dismay, Andy discovered that Denise and her parents would be visiting in New York that weekend. At that moment, he made a firm resolution never, but never to ask another girl out. He was a dejected and broken-hearted male, dis- gusted with fickle women. As the days passed into weeks, he faithfully kept his hasty promise until 'tshe came along. Last year, long ago, Cindy was his eighth grade sweetheart. The Battle of the Bulge was a skirmish compared with his private conflict. After days of serious thinking, he reached a final decision. He decided to cast aside his former useless resolution and to ask her to the dance. They were Hthe most to say the leastv as they danced across the floor. !m'lf1Z '7aue 'Wad . . A Freshman is a sparkling lass, Who comes to school with glee, Who never fails in tasks assigned, At least-so it should be. A Sophomore is a haughty lass, Who flaunts her mighty name, Who lords it over every frosh, Don't frown-we did the same. A Junior is a merry lass, Who dreads the thought of books, Who likes to study ads instead, Why?-To improve her looks. A Senior is a lucky lass, Who dreams of days ahead, Who looks to God for strength and help To know-Which path to tread. Joann Becker and Bernadine Nickels, '55