The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-27
BISHOP ALLEN ID
 GRADUATING CLASS Holy Angels Academy Held Ex-
 erciSeS Last Night RELIGION IN SCHOOLS
Bishop Points Out Importance of Re igous Training as An Accompani- ment of the Regular Branches.
 Exercises at Jefferson.

Last night the commencement exercises of Holy Angels academy and St. Pauls school were held in the Jefferson theatre. Although the inclemency of the weather interfered to some extent with the at tendance, there was full house and the scene was bright and enlivenng. The Rt Rev. Edward P. Allen, Bishop of Mo- bile, honored the exercises by his pres epce and delivered very interesting and instructive address to the pupils and the audience. There were also present the Rev. Father Coyle, the Rev Father Filan, the Rev. Father Pierceall and several prominent citizens, as well as the parents and friends of the pupils.
 The programme consisted of several musical selections very finely rendered by the pupils and a drama in five acts, styled "The Heir of Rockford" Immedi- ately after the first part of the pro gramme Miss Mabel Platten read her essay, the subject being Nothing So Kingly as Kindness" in which that amia- ble quality was depicted in the choicest expressions. Miss Platten was cordially applauded and presented with numerous bouquets of flowers.
 In a few words the Rev. Father Coyle introduced Bishop Allen, who first ad- dressed a few words to the pupils con- graduating the graduates upon their sue cess and recommending them to pursue their studies all through life. He com pimented Miss Platten upon her essay, especially upon the subject she had cho- sen, and said it contained the clements of truly noble life.
 In addressing the audience Bishop AL len drew attention to the great services which religious teaching bodies had rem dered the world, rescuing it from barba- rism after the Huns and Vandals had laid Europe waste. He referred to the system of education which had come into existence in recent years and pointed out that it was a departure from the sys- tenn adopted in the early days of the American republic. He said that for merly religion was recognized in the schools and taught in connection with oth- CT branches, but that since that system was changed there was a decided change for the worse among the people. The shocking evil of divorce he attributed to this present system and it was to com bat that and such like evils that the Catholic church established and main tained schools where religion and moral ity went hand in hand with reading and writing. Children must be taught" said Bishop Allen, ito seek first the king dom of God;' they must have moral in- struction to resist the temptation of the world which they will have to face all their life''
 The valedctory was delivered by Miss Emma Weaver, in which she paid beautiful tribute to the kindness of her teachers and took an affectionate fare- well of her schoolmates.
 The following Is list of the prizes and the recipients as announced:
 Graduating honors and gold medals are conferred up Miss Emma Weaver and Miss Mabel Platten.
 A teachers certificate in instrumental music and a gold medal are awarded to Miss Helen Weiss.
 A gold medal for best average is award ed to Miss Adelaide Ducker
 A gold medal for perfect attendance is awarded to Miss Susie Hullar
 A gold medal for proficiency in instru- mental music Is awarded to Miss Clara Chamboredon.