The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-09-04
St. Theresa's Parochial School.

Sisters be as happy as their first day.
St. Theresa's Parochial School.
Only q few months ago o vacant piece of
ground could be seen within square or
two of St. Theresa's Church, without the
least apparent prospect of any improve
ments being put-aPeH- iitt.-ANe~F a hand
some edifice beauties the location and
ornaments the neighborhood, while the
spot that was then SO silent will hereafter
resound daily with the voices of some five
or six hundred children. The magic that
has in this instance transformed the desert
places into blooming gardens is the magic
of Christian zeal and charity.
Rev. Father Kenny, of St. Theresa's
parish, felt the absolute need of a parochial
school, and when he thought the time OPP
perfume for appealing to his congregation
for the necessary funds to effect his pur-
pose he did so, and we now see with what
result Tomorrow the school opens with
perhaps six hundred pupils, equally divided
between boys and girls. When we think
of that number of Catholic children, SO
long without a school of their own, we
cannot wonder that their parents could no
longer submit to. the scandal of having
them at Protestant or Pagan establish
mepts. The idea of permitting hundreds
and thousands of Catholic children to be
for so many months and years under such
influences, is repugnant to every feeling of
prudence and propriety. When we see
the present system of parochial schools in
full and active operation, with all its bene-
fcent provisions and hopeful fruit, we can
only wonder that the other plan was toler
ated so long. 1t was an insult to the intel
ligence OF Catholics to suppose that they
would not perceive the impropriety and
unchristian character of such associations
for their children, and an equal insult to
their honor to suppose that they could be
cajoled into permitting it. Hence the num-
Der of parochial schools which we see al
ready founded and in process of formation
in this city. The system is in its infancy,
| yet it has taken root and can never perish,
hut must continue to flourish more and
| more.
The rapidity with which, in the instance
above referred to, it has been established
and organized, speaks we'll not only for
the indefatigable zeal of the pastor, but
for the intelligence and piety of the parish
toner's of St. Theresa's parish. Neither of
them are willing to run any further risk of
having the lambs of the flock lost by the
| carelessness or criminality of false shep-
herds. A blessing must certainly await
any place where priest and people are alike
willing to comply strictly and promptly
with the wishes of the Church, no matter
at what loss or expense. In fact, the bless
ing is already upon them in the security OF
faith and morals which the children enjoy
in their separation from fruitful sources OF
contamination and perversion.
This new institution opens tomorrow
under the most fattering auspices. The
people are proud of it, and have enrolled
their children with great promptness. No
doubt it's working will be very satisfactory
from the very beginning, and would prove
source of edifcation to any visitors
priests or laymen-from a parish where nc
school of the kind yet exists. We commend
it's inspection to any such of our friends, moi
doubling that Father Kenny would give
them every information as to the means o.
} success suggested to himself by zeal and
energy.