The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-08-28
Exhibition Of the 1oys Of st. Mays Orphan Asylum,
Third District.
New ORLEANs. AUGUST %. 1870

Exhibition Of tho Boys Of 81 Mays Orphan Asylum,
Third District.
NEW ORLEANS, August %, 1870.
Editors Morning Star and Catholic Messenger.
Allow me to intrude upon your we'll
known kindness, and communicate to you
and your many readers an occurrence which
will be pleasing end edifying to your and
their charity. Knowing your interest and
that of your readers in the welfare of the
orphan, feel assured that notwithstand-
ing the numberless calls upon you, and my
inadequacy in treating the subject, yet this
communication will find place in your esti-
mable journal. For this, then, at the very
outset, I heartily thank you.
My subject is the exhibition of the boys
of st. Mary's Orphan Asylum. On Thurs-
day, the 18th inst, l was, together with
many others, kindly invited by Rev. Father
stitution, to assist at the representation of
Cardinal Wiseman's deservedly renowned
drama entitled "The Hidden Gem" to be
given by the orphans of st. Mary's. OF
course, whatever concerns the orphans is
ever dear to the Catholic heart. Conse-
quently /, with great pleasure, went. l
found the hall--the orphans refectOry, in
Which the SIZE had been erected and
chairs and ,: Scr seats had replaced the
tables whei euu he hand of charity daily
sets the orpl ,., .o.d-crowded by anxious
friends, all ea4,r behold the ability and
progress Oh ! ~ 'fe;lr cullUTou, over WUOm
each, / NIGH -. seemed to have q claim
greater or less, ,r,ilng to the extent in
which each one had practised in their re-
gard the great, sublime virtue of charity
the virtue, par excellence, of our Divine
Model.
The orphans band, on stand in the
rear of the hall, was discoursing sweet
music. Indeed too much praise cannot be
given that band of music and it would be
an advantage to all, and at the same time
help to the institution, if, on the occa-
sions of celebrations, such as occur SO fire.
quently in our city, that band were to be
employed. Besides, it would be source
themselves, who are ever ready to try to
render themselves useful. 1t is certain
that many of the musicians employed on
such occasions do not surpass, and some of
them not even equal st. Mary's orphan
band.
Professor Neuman, who through the whole
evening kindly held the piano, the curtain
was drawn, and a sprightly boy came for
ward and delivered, in an eloquent man
ner, the prologue to the drama that was
about to be played. He was deservedly
cheered. The melodious strains of the
piano, under the able fingers that managed
it, filed the hall. The tinkling of small
bell was heard, the curtain was drawn and
the representation began. To speak of
each portion of this beautiful play, and of
the manner in. which each boy fulfilled his
part, would take up too much time; and all
having given such satisfaction by their
rendering of the different characters, that
it would be very difficult to discern who
did better than the other. Suffice it to say
that all far surpassed the most sanguine
expectations of their friends and patrons.
In the course of the representation several
comic songs were sung. Amongst them
xbo VIII fha in n
continual roar of laughter. 1t is called,
believe, "Not for joe" The young chap
who sang it was SO perfect in the singing,
dancing and grotesque delineatiOns that he
was repeatedly cheered, and had to come
back to sing it over again. This same boy,
at the end of the dramatic performance,
came out, to the great satisfaction of all
present, as was proved by the immense ap-
plause with which he was greeted as soon
as he appeared on the stage, In the charac-
ter of the famous " Shoe Fly" Again he
was called back a second time, and really
believe that had not the audience consid-
cred his youth and the fatigue he must
have felt, he would have been called back
again and again, SO perfect was his per-
Torrance, singing gesticulating, dancing
and all. In fact, SO great was tie hilarity
amongst all present that it was long time
before silence could be restored.
Here Rev. Father D'Hemecourt, from
Plaquemine, who had been present during
tire whole performance, being requested by
the Rev. Father Superior to say few
words in conclusion of the evenings enter
tainment, stepped forward, and in few
but telling words complimented the boys
on their success, and thanked them for the
pleasure they had procured to all. Then
addressing the Rev. Fathers and the good,
devoted Sisters of the Holy Cross, under
whose tender and watchful care the orphans
grow up In piety and learning, he thanked
them also in the name of all present, in
fact in the name of the whole community
for the solicitude and trouble taken by
| them TO make of those children future use
full members of society. Indeed too much
praise could not be given to the superior
and assistants of st. Mary's Orphan Boys
Asylum. 1t is to their teachings and guild
ance that society at large owes the rescue
of those children. fatherless and mother
less, some of theM even from the cradle,
who had they been left abandoned in their
restitution, instead of becoming an orna-
ment to society, to be afterwards some of
it's most useful members, might have drag
ged IA miserable existence in AFFECTION, pow
erty, suffering, and perhaps ain aud crime.
Hence it is that the whole community owe
debt of gratitude to these devoted imita-
tors of the Divine Saviour's immense char
ity. Hence again it is that the people of
New Orleans, already so deservedly praised
by all for their constant zeal in the practice
of that great virtue, ought even to redouble
| their efforts, that their zeal and charity
may go on daily increasing in favor OF those
orphans: and thereby help, by their assist
| ance and eficacious patronage the promo
tion of the noble end for which ST. Mary's
Ornhan Rovs' Asylum was erected.