The St. Mary banner., 1902-04-26
Gala Day at St. Johns Academy.

the reason of the riot of joyful antici-
paticn which seemed to thrill every
heart at st. Johns Academy on We'd
nesday last. If so, the interrogation was
undoubtedly answered: Mother is COM
ing to-day" Yes, Mother Cesaria, the
beloved Provincial of the Sisters of Holy
Crsss. after an absence of six years in
La Belle France. made a short visit to
her dear sisters and children in Franklin.
For nine consecutive years previous
to her sojourn in LIE Mans where she
was Jealous member Of the Genera
Council. she acted as Superioress to the
Sisters Of Holy Cross. and during that
time she greatly endeared herself not
only to the members of her own con-
gregation but also to the pupils of the
schools under her jurisdiction. 1t is
needless to describe tho cordial welcome
she received from the sisters, while the
faces of the pupils, from the fair young
graduates to the little tots of the baby
room beamed with radiance which
alone could speak their feelings.
About an hour after her arrival Mother
was ushered in the reception room which
was handsomely decorated for the occa.
sion. Here the expectant pupils we're
waiting to receive her; as soon as her
steps was heard in the hall the convent
orchestra played 'Maritana" with the
skill that characterizes them.
For a moment Mother was spcll-bound
she must have imagined that she was
listening to the strains of the Orphean
Lyre which. caused the mountains
to droop their heads, and the rivers to
cease their ripple, so enchanting was the
effect of the sweet tones of the piano
and clarinet, as we'll as the deftly Piled
bow OH the violin.
Then the pupils sang the song: Come
When You Will. We've a Welcome for
Thee;'' after which Miss Rosie Eisele. q
graduate of 1902, stepped forward and
read the address of welcome. In the
name Of herself and her companions she
greeted Mother, telling how anxiously
they had been looking forward to her
visit, and how they now rejoiced at be-
holding her in their midst. Miss Eisele
expressed their desire to please her, and
make her visit to fair Fran Kiln happy
and memorable.
One of the prettiest features of the
evening was the recitation, by Miss Inez
Crask, of poem for the occasion. The
production WAS tender and touching, and
any praise of it's rendition would be SUI
perfuous, as everyone is aware of Miss
Crask's talents.
Several pieces of music were exquis~
itely played. and Miss Etienne Brunner,
in her own proficient manner, sang a
sweet solo: The Sent incl Asleep"
Tie solft and melodi GUS straips of LA
Fiesta" brought the en- tertaiunent to
close.
Mother was deeply touched by the cordial.
with words Of admiration and deep affection
telling them that even amidst her arduous
labOrs in the distant land OF France, her heart
was every day busted with loving thoughts
and fervent prayers for her dear children in
Franklin. She praised them again and again,
and thanked God that she was home once
more in her dear Louisiana. She told the
songs and above all their bright and intelli-
gent faces gave promises Of . brilliant eX-
animation, for the following days. She was
not disappointed, for. although, during the
four days that she spent in testing their
knowledge. the fever Of anxiety ran high in
all the classes, especially the senior grades;
teachers and pupils were equally delighted
closed the sst to say chat she was satis
fed, even beyond her most sanguine expec-
tatons. She was particularly pleased with
the AspirantS to graduation, Misses Rosie
Ejsele and Etienne Brunner, who are so soon
to receive the crown of their school. day
labors, and enter the second scene in the
drama of life; who are, as tho immortal
LoDgfellOw says:
''Standng with reluctant feet,
Where the brook and river meet"
Mother took her departure ON the west
bound train on Wednesday evening last,
leaving in st. Johns Academy universal re-
gret, while she will be accompanied with
fervent prayers for her safety to her new
fields OF labor.