The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1894-06-30
VALEDICTORY
BY Miss ANITA MILLOT, GRADU-
ATE OF THE CLASS OF "a.
At the commencement Exercises Of the
Convent of Mercy, June %, 1894.

Convent Of Mercy, June 22, 1894.
Reverend Father. beloved Sisters, kind
Parents and Friends.
Another year has passed too swiftly
because it has brought this moment
where am called on to say farewell TO
my happy days Of chiIdhood-though IL
is the browning moment which Is the
goal of the perseyering student and 10
which all our efforts have tended dur
ing our school-life- still the moment OF
separation causes feelings to arise and
emotions to surge which almost over
power my utterance and II drop tear
of regret you will have patience with
me.
Yes, childhood is aptly compared TO
paradise, no care. no work. no anxiety,
all enjoyment. Now, as l am about to
bid farewell to this safe refuge how
many and varied are the thrObbings OF
my heart.
How many dreams and aspirations
did not indulge. how bright. and gilt
terlng was the hope of future pleasure,
nv heart how full of courage as | anti
cipated with joy the final triumph OF
my school-lifs where the foundation OF
a career Of glorious womanhood was
laid by the careful diligence OF the gen
| tie Sisters. They have always striven
to incuicate the love of God and His Ho-
" Church in our hearts and the princi-
pies of truth and justice which shall be
The test of our strength of character.
They have repeated daily that in all
we do we must ever remember that the
all seeing eye, the hearing ear OF our
God is near US, and that He keeps a cor
rect tally of our every thought. word
and action.
Another leaf of life is completed and
can not recall the past for Tinre the
mighty ruler rushes forward broOking
no delay unmindfml whether our days,
hours, minutes have been probably or
iIl-spent. 1t is only certain days that
we look back and strive to recall the
phantoms that haunt us.
What are my thoughts as l look back
in retrospect to the day when l. little
child with trembling footsteps and
timid fear suffusing my face with the
blush Of rose first entered the portals
of learning of my dear Convent School.
How the gentle nuns came forward and
received me with 80 much kindness that
won my childish love for those dear Sis
tiers who have ever since bestowed many
endearments on me and which ] per-
haps sometimes received coldly bu: all
now are portrayed in brilliant colOrs
aud my heart is full Of gratitude to
them.
Dear Companions
In this paradise we have Investigated
the principles of knowledge and the
seeds of virtue and religion have been
firmly planted in our hearts and memo
ries.
How wildly do l behold all these years
as they pass before me in review and
what happy moment did l not pass with
in those cherished walls how many
stumbling blocks did we not overcome
together. how many innocent and plea
SAINT amusements are evoked at this mo-
ment Of separation.
This night must bid final adieu to
my cherished Alma Mater. 40 more shall
take my place as pupil within its be.
loved precincts. No, the fat has gone
forth must sever all the ties and min
gle in the busy thrOng of the world
workers.
Reverend Fathers, must thank you
for your many acts Of kindness we all
owe you debt of gratitude for your de-
votedness In every ministering to our
spiritual benefits. May our good wishes
for you be carried by angels to the
throne Of Him who sees our Utmost
hearts and may He give you many years
to continue your faithful care. NAV the
teachings Of our holy faith continue Il
grow forever as the years speed by and
may they in coming years moderate ouI
joys and console us in our SORROWS.
Dear Companions Of my schoOl-lift
one parting word. Strive to improve
every moment. We part as school mates
but may the ties of friendship we hav,
contracted here remain firm till W,