The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-08-01
a,rnlng Star and Catholic Messenger.
SEW ORLEANS, SUNDAY. AUGUST 1875
ANNUAL coMMENoEMHNTs.
ST. MARY.JErFrRsoN COLLEGE, La.

ST. MARY. JEFFERSON COLLEGE, La.
The annual commencement of the above well
known establishment, conducted by the Ea'nere
of the Society of Mary, took place on weones-
day, the 2lst inst. in presence OF q large ana
distinguished audience. For several days pre-
vious the pupils, and more especially those
that were to graduate, had been subjected to
the ordeal of q severe examination before all
the Faculty, and everybody was eagerly look
ing forward to the term of hard years study.
The Exhibi ion Hall had been tastefully deco
rated with evergreens, and the walls were hung
with drawings. In q word, everything wore
festive appearance.
Proceedings began at 8 A. M, and opened
with an orchestral piece, composed expressly
for the occasion by Prof. Blanchy. It was re-
markably well executed and ELECTED bursts of
applause from the hearers. Nor did the brass
band fail to sustain the reputationsit had
already acquired under the able direction of
Father Pompallier. Its rendering Of "Une
Chase dams les Ardennes," descriptive piece
by E. Marie, was almost faultless. To be brief,
the musical talent displayed all throughout
the exhibition lie deserving Of the highest
praise, and reflects much credit on both pro-
fessors and pupils.
During the intervals, the gentlemen of the
graduating class, viz: Messrs. 81. Poursine, E.
Nicolle, j. Gourdain and L. Bourgeois deliver
cd each an essay. The subjects chosen were
Reflection, WIU, Labor and Religion, and the
object in view was to show that they are es-
sertially necessary, if we wish to rebuild the
social structure which is now being under
mined and sapped to it's very foundation by
the rapid and widespread growth OF infdelity.
The highly creditable manner in which the
young orators acquitted themselves of their
respective tasks told well for the mental train
4 ing to which they had been subjected during
their year of Philosophy.
Not the least attractive portion of the pro-
gramme was Q drama in three acts, entitled
Alonzo de Castillo" The play in itself ia full
of Christian sentiment, and so well did the
youthful'actors sustain their several parts that
many of the spectators were moved to tears.
As soon as the curtain dropped, Father
Grimes, though bearing evident signs of great
fatigue, arose and delivered an eloquent ad-
dress on the necessity of Religion in the great
work of Education. He showed by statistical
facts the evil results of teaching that is not
based on religious foundation drew strik-
ing parallel between the young man who is
brought up in q Christian school and tbs one
who is confided to Goddess masters, and wound
up by touching appeal to the graduates and
other students.
The awarding of premiuma was then pro-
ceeded with. The degree of Bachelor of Arts
was conferred on Messrs. n. Poursine, E. Nj
cole, ]. Gourdain and L. Bourgeois. Among
the other young gentlemen that distinguished
themselves were Masters Tregre, Barker, Gag
nant, Fortier, LIE Blanc, Fry, etc.
" All was over shortly after 10 A. n, when
those that could remain were Hospitality enter
tanned by the kind Fathers, who subsequently
showed them over the college grounds. The
institution seems to be in q very prosperous
condition. 1t has a most complete and efficient
staff of professors; it's discipline is firm but
paternal; its situation most healthy in short,
everything connected with it is calculated to
inspire the fullest confidence of parents who
wish to give q thorough education to their
children. The next session begins on Tuesday,
October the 5th. Those who wish for places
would do we'll to apply early.