M*

™i°^%a*

Vol. XIV, No. 4

Mercyhurst College, Erie, Pa
December 16, 1943

ATTHE CRIB of BETHLEHEM

YOU WILLI FIND PEACE
Chnstmas t 0 most of us, is threaded through with the memories of huge, soft snow
flakes and the gleaming of sprightly Christmas tree lights. Just the sound of Z
^ calls up visions of good things tof eat, gayly decorated packages, lots of
Jaughter and a figurative cup that spills over with happiness. Through it all, like
an overtone of music, is a sense ofjpeace that gives comfort and relaxation to the
[troubled spirit. r can sssons of the Nativity are more needed today than ever before. It is true that we
j Peace! It has a soft, warm sound; it's a veritable cloak
[that shuts out all the ugly realities of a world at war. The
Spiritual "Peace on earth to men of good will" attitude
carries over into our daily lives and makes us all look with
a little more kindness upon our fellow men. In the midst
of* hurrying crowd or alone, staring pensively at a gaily
festooned living room, we are aware of a feeling of child-
like satisfaction.
^ It Isn't Hard to Pray There
VENITE ADOREMUS
With greed in the hearts of mankind and blood upon the souls of nations we come
to another Christmas in this war-torn world; we come to another birthday of our
Savior who came to free us from the sins of time. Let us turn our thoughts from war
to worship, from hate to love, from selfishness to unselfishness, from unholy murder
to a holy sacrifice, from the leaders of Nazism to the leader at Nazareth, from Berlin
to Bethlehem.
Less
do only a little to stop this cruel fighting, but we can do much to bring mores
souls to the crib of the Infant Jesus. Christ came as the
Son of God that He might die for us on Calvary. Is the aim
of our life high and holy: to love and serve God and to be
charitable to our neighbors? Individually? Nationally?
Perhaps yes! Perhaps no! Christ I gave His life that
we might live. What are we willing to give Him this
Christmas ? The Magi brought Him material gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. We cannot do that. But there
are other things: a heart, repentant, pure, and generous,
ready to be pierced as His was on the Cross; a soul, shin-

1 Spiritually, Christmas is the one season in the year

[hat is pure, unalloyed joy for the Christians. It is then
ing with the splendor of His grace. Everything we have
we can offer to Christ in reparation for our own sins and
for the sins of this troubled world.

Christmas will be different this-year.^Fewer,toys and

|jthat their God reveals Himself, not as the infallible Teach- decorations will grace our homes at Yuletide. Family
jer or the agonized Atoner of their sins, but as the dinners will suffer, for points and food are none too plen-
jangelic Babe of Bethlehem whose very smallness touches tiful. Someone may even be absent at the table, for war
^earts|You|will find your peace there at the manger; it's
• work must go on, regardless of the Holyday and Holiday.
^ n the very hush of the place, in the evergreen boughs It is sad to say; but there will be, no doubt, an empty
[that shadow Mary's holy figure, in the simplicity of the chair in many a family circle. But the person who should
I |the world, and
shepherds for the softness
iitfthe calm ofserenity
the Infant's eyes leads
of Joseph's face.you
It fill it will be celebrating Christmas just the same many
• t Jon.
a r t There, in the cool,
hard tojpray * semi-darkness,
there—it is the mostyou will find
natural thingthat
in miles away in some far corner of the earth, in Sicily, in
[your soul becomes especially receptive to the entreaties the Aleutians, in the Solomons, at Guadalcanal, or any-
Jof those mute lips; and, under Hisltender smile, care where in the realmjf of the Prince of Peace. Despite the
[vanishes like, mist before the sunj "Go to your God and absence of worldly pleasures there should not be less love.
Kind there the peace you need. Take example" from His ^ Indeed, Christmas must be the slme. We will worship
I joyous birth and happy childhood. For as God He knew the at the same crib and, with the same joy in our hearts,
I awful trials that were to be His, but never once did He cry out, wherever we are—"Venite Adoremus, Come let
I Allow that Knowledge to dim|His happiness in the stream us adore Him."! •
|;W daily living." m

ii
uffer (The Littl e Children
Last Saturday afternoon the student body entertained? the fboys
Tonight's The Night;
|and girls of St. Joseph's orphanage. The children, dressed §in their
pest bib and tuckers, invaded the college; armed with the cheeriest IHERE'S YOUR SOUVENIR
W smiles, they were all ready to entertain as well as to be enter-
tained. $ ? •' "Time marches on!" With Christmas so near at hand, and Santa
E he scene of the activity was the auditorium where a decorated Claus already arrived from the North Pole, the Freshman^Class
pee shone forth in Christmas glory. Here and there were evidences tonight is keeping step by presenting the annual Christmas party,
t Wo-shaped packages for delivery from Santa who appeared, and with the March of Time as its theme.
j » a hearty voice, announced that he had a pleasant surprise for
I *y Sood hoy and girl. The children, in return, presented a pro- The Merciad wishes to supplement your pleasant memories of
a m WQ
L . ich encompassed their special talents and proved to this evening!with a brief souvenir of the program.
eir hostesses that they, too, knew how to brighten a party.
6 ls 110 Welcome Song Freshman Class
Lu.f! 4 doubt but that after a round of games in which the;
ren
P and their hostesses alike expended most of theirf "Time Marches On," an original skit:
j Sy, the refreshments! were l J 890—Gay Nineties Revue Barbara Fleming
at€d With the
tf 2 ' approach p I
p 1900 Minstrel Show
h it',,*lTL^ YOUR CHRISTMAS Donna Callahan,
Marilyn Cummiskey Annual r
B'"-»<." *™ SHi WILL BE HAPPIER 1910 —Pantomime of the poem
abeled Again this year, on Decem-
IW J
•Member."
|^__
"Memories f fort
j£
| | 1 # | , ,.
Mercyhurst is sending as
oa

Christmas ^greetings to a little

iHadomut "Christmas Morning"
Emma and Anna Klemm ber 14, the Sophomore Class
was privileged to ^present the
I pickaninny in Alabama, to a She stands, a tall,j-still candle, 1920 -George M. Cohen ^Medley
red skin in North Dakota, and Connie: Lynch |traditional Mercyhurst Christ-
M0s'c Fills The* Air to a prairie family of South Golden-haloed, white, 1930—-History of Mercyhurst
mas Pageant. Faculty mem-
Dakota, boxes of clothing pre- Poised against the darkness bersi and students assembled
kwin Barbara Brown, Mary Maley
by J & the tradition het pared by the various classes. Of Judea's night. in the auditorium, imagined
^ e r c y h u r s t l studenta^of fpast Instead of the usual poor fam- 1940 "White Christmas" themselves in Bethlehem nine-
k*^!!^ Senior a
" d Junior jly| project of former years, I Joan Lutz
teen centuries ago, as the story
Wil1 g o c a r o I i n
!*• h*n tonight l & through the Senior and Junior classes Was it her frail blue! mantle
in a 80lemn 1950—F recasting the Future of the first Christmas unfolded
P El IV(
r ' have adopted at western mission Rustling to the ground,
for their Christmas 'giving', the Or thelbrushing of a thousand
Mary Doyle before them. Under the skill-
tL jjV* % ceremony* Dressed Sophomore class, a southern ful direction of Miss Boyland,
kfo ^ n academi
c ? a t t i i e | the wings Finale "I'll Be Home for
111 m mission, and the Freshman I } JChristmas" lights, costumes, and scenery
kmf ee<| in the ^dining class, oneHn South Dakota. The . Flocking all around? Mary J. Masterson, were combined with beautiful
residence halls, girls, by means |of self-denial ;g Betty J. Schweitzer effects. The Christmas pageant
Nfo A • known
Christmas envelopes andjdiscarded fleangg Was it the deep-breathed yearn-
in ormel andf neat clothing, will make Arrival of Santa Claus, adds another distinctively Cath-
l^nderela * i * $ years* the Escorted by Majorettes olic* note to our holiday fes-
m n
[%eir I r*' * will listen from the Tnembers of these unde- ings |
Aftei h ^rnjnational missions bel ieve Of endless years before,
r I
P^tootf T t ^ e carolling Distribution of Gifts ti vities: and we}v congratulate
r * *ui ' e8 the Juni an<
«*» & Sen
- in human^j [Santa Clauses at Qrfwas it the night-wind sigh- the Sophomores on a truly de-
Mercyhurst! We can be sure Refreshments and presentation
\ti$ m i . P^ceed to thefehapel ing I 2 i of The Merciad. votional presentation.
,
* **x 0 1f h t Ben
ediction, the thatf anytsmalj sacrifice on our At the stable door?
%e evening. £ part will no1$ go unrewarded.
 December ]g
194.
T HIE iMlE R|C if A p
Page 2
^^AVEWVED THE BIRTHDAY
TM C2AP During the season of Advent
senting fgff ts fat th& Iseason.
But to whom did wefaffenour
Which have obscured the *» I
g ^ | for us inf the p a s t I B
Assistant Editors Pwe have been preparing for incense? Was if in honor of year our mute language 0f 1 1
the comingfof the Prince of the Christ Child that we gave? for our absent ones if ijL
Editor Rita Rittenhouse Peace, perhaps never before
Kay Dineen Or perhaps, we were numbered most eloquent because. f | \ V]
have our preparations been v
Anne Johnson Jane Walsh among those moderns who look not stopped at Christmf| j *|
more sincere. When war clouds upon Christmas as afday for but have gone on to the ^ 1
hang low over the whole world, children only. It is indeed. we have not spentf our !*• 1
Published semi-monthlvlby the students of Mercyhurst College and the universal prayer is a Christmas lis only for childera lighting candles, but hay
fe I Editorial Board M Scullion prayer for peace, the feast of —for children of God; and 1
lowed the Star; we hal_
News Editor ——M&+ J Q# Berry Christmas takes on a deeper hearts, not years, are/the pass- lingeredl with c r e a t u r ^ H H
Features Editor ^.^L—iw^-^r ~ <3 Oliva spiritual significance |for the have taken them with ul 1
Literary Editor | ^ -£.-- — - - " - £ " BosT N. Hirtle ports. To know the fullness of
Art Editor —— **--wg(» *T""~ r M. Taylor faithful. We have always ob- its joy, we must be as romantic Bethlehem. ' f ff | 1
Business Manager i. . ^tT" *^^olSu*yi« M served some celebration of this as the Magi-in their quest of
Contributors: M. Crowe, J. Roepke, L, Writer, D. g m *• date. Religious and social cus- Christmas, and as simple as the Mercyhurst girls are, | l
Sullivan, M. E. Fitzgerald, G. Middleton, ; » e y J; toms have from time imme- shepherds in adoration of their the faculty, members of I L J
English,'P. Duffy, P. White, N. Buszelli, M. Savage, W. »cui morial circled around this feast, large family^ so, because-;!!
lion, M. O'Hara, A. McDermott. King. I f|
Business Staff: A. KaneJC. O'Rourke, M. Darsie, G. Erwin, a. yet the innermost spirit of
This Christmas, when many this, I familiarly offer to||f^
V ReagLe, D.fA. Harrington, M. Wolman, A. Cleary, V. Waisn, Christmastide has too frequent-
of our loved Jones are absent and all sincerestf greetings i i
D..I>onatelli, M. Dandoy. ly beenTlost in the scramble
HVlUCff MMMft*$ ft LttMQ C#<« f i l l * N.
with the world. We have loved and outside the reach of our a truly Merry Christmas a T
the birthday Jand forgotten the usual generous gifts, we may Happy New.. Year. J
WE DO NOT STAND ALONE Birth. f
True, we have emulated the
review to some extent the
foundation of our Faith and Mother "M. Del Sal
"Gloomy Christmas, everybody! The world is in turmoil, the rise above the material things
Magi in our custom of pre-
worst is yet to come. When we finally do defeat the Nazi war ma-
chine, we must face the Japs for a few more years, fit's beyond
me how we can get that far, with Washington strangled in red
! CHRISTMAS IN KHAKI 9 MORE DAYSH
tape. And after it's allWer, the peace treaty will be nothing but There is no gift more grati
a "racket," with the next war already simmering. What are we Dear Ted, g
Your latest letter has just arrived, felling me you are some- fying than a good book; y e J
but the victims of 'circumstances—helpless human beings? Oh,
what's the use?" 1;| g where in Italy." And, Ted, even though the censor did on excellent there is none which requires
I How right you would be, cheerful?friend, except for one import- job of halving your tongue, I discerned a note of loneliness and more discrimination in choice!
ant fact, which you seem to have forgotten—that very essential discouragement in this letter. So, Ted, bear with me while I tell Your selection must be designed!
fact that we do not stand alone in our present crisis. you of Someone who knew loneliness and discouragement far- to please, not only now, but|
Had it not been for the promised Redeemer, man could never have greater than yours, plus all the horrors this war will ever know.*
And yet, Ted, this Person triumphed over all. Today, you see your in years to come. Dickens'!
surmounted his first great crisis at the very beginning of time Christmas Carol,' for exampleJ
when, exiled and disgraced, he faced onrushing centuries of unful- "buddies" fighting with all they've got and you stop and wonder
filled happiness. As we lookback upon the countless tragedies of "Is it worth i t ? " Of course it is—because you and your "buddies" would be enjoyed not onlylati
rlndividuals and of nations since that first great tragedy of Eden, are displaying the soldierly virtuesjof fortitude, justice, and per- Yuletide but all the year 'round.!
severance that were so evidenced in this Person of whom I am 1
is it not-clear that mankind could never^have survived, were it not For the children, there is i
for the same?Redeemer whose promised coming saved Adamgfrom speaking—Jesus Christ! f 1
Christ knew all the failings of a human nature for He took a wealth of charming stories;!
ultimate despair? Heide, Pinnochio, Little} Women,!
human nature upon Himself. He knew poverty—his first Christmas
"But today the world is turning away from that'ivery Redeemer. and all the others. In the realm]
How can there be any hope for us?" Certainly there is no hope, was noUone of manyfpresents, a warmlbed or agbrightly-lighted
fire—no, it was a meager stable with the warmth from surrounding of modern problems we find ]
so long as we continue to lament our fate without meeting its such throught-provoking vol- J
challenge. We cannot bring direct influence to bear upon those animals and the star-studded sky for a|roof. This Christmas, Ted,
wherever you are, don't despair—remember you are a replica of umes as The Judgment of j
whose false philosophies are or were responsible for present-chaos.
Christ's image; remember also Christ is not asking you'to undergo Nations, by Dawson, or Whence j
But our weapon of prayer, whose source is the Eternal Redeemer,
is far stronger than their armed might and vicious propaganda, anything He did not undergo. Ted, when youfsee horrible torture Come Wars, by Sheen. 1
whose source is the diseased mind of materialism. Surely the world or death, think once /again of
is in turmoil. Facing it alone, we are helpless beings, riding for the the worst death of all time— BRIGHT LIGHTS
most terrible fall history has ever known. Pacing it with Christ, that drama which was enacted
we will rise to a victory of justice, and His Kingdom shall come
Upon earth.
on Calvary's hillside; there,
your Christ, my Christ, was
ilN THE YULETIDE SPIRIT
crucified. Yet, He did not cry i I I CANDLES I
out for leniency of any sort— Christmas time in our city is more than!enough to make your
He only said "Father, Thy will spine tingle and put that holiday sparkle in your eye. As the Day
be^ done." And, Ted, He went of Days approaches with unbelievable suddeness—3 never can
You CAN Take It With You through every bit of that tor- convince myself that it really is timet for the season—no amount
ture f or you jjand me, so that of the best intentions or careful planning can finish my Yuletide
Each year just around this time, people all over the world are we might? have a^chance to shopping before the last minute.
filled withlthe beautiful spirit of giving. This spirit in the heart know Him, love Him, serve But I don't mind tin the least. For what could be more exciting
of man is shown through his exchanging of jgifts and greetings— Him, and "some day" be happy than Main Street on Christmas Eve—the gay colored lights—
wishing one another a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
with Him and JHis Father in maybe notlquite as elaborate this year, but still flashing the same
Wouldn't it be wonderful if this same spirit could be shown every Heaven. holiday greeting; the clear-sounding bells vibrating through the
dayfin the year instead of only thetfew days preceding December Today, Ted, you and your brisk, j [ winter air; jolly little rainbow hue, tiny girls with
25? J "buddies" can be other Christs. elves delighting children and large suprise packages clutched
Why could not this spirit be carried into our daily lives, not just I don't mean you have to be grown-ups alike! crowded about in hand, the implicit faith in
in the presentation of material things, but in the spirit of working solemn-faced, with eyes down- a department-store: window; the eyes of a four-year-old
for and with each other? ? * r | cast. No, be men with spirit— Santa's? "helper" tinkling a bell perched on Santa's ample knee.
This idea of giving can be a contribution of each one of us in men *whose very nature exem- ^on the opposite street corner; I find f my self on the street
our school lives—in our activities here at Mercyhurst. Just a little plifies those Christlike sol- the last of the holly wreaths once more? where lightly-falling
word of encouragement to our classmates, an assignment handed dierly virtues of fortitude, jus- being sold at j one of the out- snow has lent the perfect fin-
in on time, a fine turn-out for extra-curricular activities such as tice, perseverance. And, Ted, door stands; joyous Christmas ishing touch to the scene. Last-
the A. B. lectures and concerts, and an enthusiasm shown through- when you long for someone iCarols heard floating from the minute shoppers like myself,
out all our works would mean as much to someone else as that new dear to talk to, talk to | Christ. stores as one passes their pret- continuei to bustle by in their
dress^you are receiving as a Christmas gift. You don't have Ho form lengthy tily decorated ^entrances. haste to get home. Then the
pious prayers. Your everyday Toy land full realization of it all hits
conversational phrases are suf- But to miss Toyland would
me with the force of a land-
ficient. Talk over your prob- be to miss a very important
r A C E T H E FACTS lems and difficulties with part of the great panorama.
Christf and see how much With this thought in mind, plus
slide. Christmas has been going
on in practically the same way.
year after year in our lives.
Another new year is facing us/lone in which we are told the the remembrance that I still
troubles of the world will decrease, success in all things will be- Continued on Page 4 We'd hate the thought of its
have three gifts to select for
come more certain. And we, being optimists at heart, readily be- youngsters on my list£, I pro- being any* otherf way. Yet in
1
lieve this; surely many of our dreams will be realized and our ceed to the toy department of some , countries it has changed
problems will reach satisfactory conclusions. 5 one of the larger stores. f horribly. If w e | should ever
How wrong we are to allow ourselves to accept unquestionly lose Christmas here . . .
The Merciad Staff regrets Toyland, parading for^l the
these-.deas Of course, we hope that; success, realization of our to announce that there was very young, still holds enchant- The! True Symbol
goals, and ehminatjon of many of our difficulties will occur in this not space for all the articles ment for me, I must admit. I
B r w sh0U d not ,low
My footsteps instinctively
r | ' . ; Tl f. I « ^"-selves to be swept away by and poems donated by the am attracted by la number of lead me to the] massive doorM
th.s w,.hful thmking. Rather we should be realists, seeing S n g . students. Thus it was nec- familiar isounds and sights as the Cathedral. Entering, I H
as they actually are. for there can be defeat instead of success essary^ to select the most I step off the elevator, the hold the real symbol of; Christ-
increased difficult™ .nstead of the needed solutions. All is not opportune from among all merry little noises that pull- mas, a sight of quiet loveliness,
well with the word or with ourselves. The arrival of a new year fthe very good contributions.
w.H not correct these faults; we must strive actively to ™m e d y 4*pys make, bells, sirens and familiar to all. In the soft blue
them ourselves. But first we must see the problem clear " a s it We ;thank each of you? for horns of all kinds responding light shed over the holy sceneJ
actually exists; only then can we begin to rectify it. your generous j co-operation, to the touch of inquisitive little Ijjusher a prayer into Heaven
hoping that all whose con- hands, small boys racing from
t m 8 r rived aftw s |to the Prince of Peace, t ! ^
°P ! !, *"' ?1 •* «*ing things as they are, i s good and tributions did not appear in here to there, and not missing Christmas in America ^»*y^|9J
needed but fake optimism based on wishful thinking instead of this issue will find their one thing—still others watching main what it has always been
reason ..harmful. Let us turn aside from this sort of dayXeamin* names in another Merciad
and face the facts! ,1 aay-areaming with rapt wonder the magic of 1 a season of peace! and chaJq
very soon. a miniature railroad, row upon ity in commemoration of p , s
row of gorgeous dolls inf every holy birth. f
 16 1948
Decern^ '
THE MERCIAD
Page 3
WHAT1ITIS
s
CATHOLIC! ACTION ST. NICK'S
Listen, my children, and you shall hear
RIDE
I
^ ^ LWHAT IT ISN'T Of the queerest Christmas in many a year.
p ^ h e awful character of today's world serves as a declaration Twas the twenty-fifth of December in forty-th
that the Catholic of today cannot neglect the call of Catholic You should have been there so you could Bee
Action. J J Who i went with St. Nick ground the sphere,
f Catholic Action means more than leading a good Christian life. In a four-wheeled jeep drawn by deer.
j t is the extension of the mission of the Church itself, i. e., "if
I: storing all things in Christ". The lay person who accepts this du e- They were all Mercyhurst girls who wentlthat night,
duty From Erie, Pa. to the thick! of the fight.
I js participating in the work of the Church as directed by Christ
Their fondest wish was to be with "him."
Wib the first apostles.-More explicity, Catholic Action is the direct
God sent S t Nick to answer their whim. i
Implication of Catholic principles to one's environment by means
He was a modern versiongof that "dear old man,"
lof specialized groups working in an apostolate of like by like
With a^solid tin helmet* and a suit of tan.
I I | TWO FOLD OBJECT I
| The student apostle, too^has his particular field of influence. The He took all he could in his winged jeep,
I object of Catholic action in the school world, as in every other
[sphere, is to make the life of each Catholic ^Action student more pon't Forget To see those stranded across the deep.
Eva was there with a light merry song.
ffchristiari. The two-fold object isf achieved simultaneously, for Molly dear, She was to see Al fonwhom shed waited so long.
Catholic Action must be the ^enlivening spirit of all student life— And there was Doyle—strange as it may seem.
What an afternoon we have
Spiritual, intellectual, and social—not the spiritual life alone. Be- She was on* her happy way to see her Marine.
had! Your Aunt Jane and I
Icause Catholic Action affects the individual students, {problems are started^ down town today! with
Isolved according to student needs, not according to the standards loads of Christmas cheer and A fellow Frosh to see a Marine at Samoa I
¥Q{ any other field.! ambition, but it wasn't long Our Lois Pennington—need;we say mo-ah!
Since its^aim includes group study and active solution of student before those shopping crowds Then we sped our way over the war-torn universe
Iproblems, a religious leadership is developed infthe Catholic Ac- really got us down. ' I t seems Dropping Eileen on an aircraft carrier first
Ponist by habits of charity and courage. In the formation of stu- to me that the^one thing that At Sicily, we were met by a boisterous crowd,
fdent apostles, a chaplain gives the all-important spiritual direction. takes all the joy out of Christ- Cheers for the Senior "Pats" were long and loud.f
B e does not solve the • students' problems, but guides the Catholic mas shopping lis the discourtesy
pctionist in his search for the solution.! Neither isf the activity of of hurrying, "elbowing" people. Back to the United States we flew,
|the Catholic Action Students controlled by the administration^ of Back to those in camps we knew.
By the way, didn't you say We stopped in Oklahoma and dropped Mary M.
ttheir individual schools. Students alone know the conditions of that
that you have a year-round And then Lillian Writer in Texas to see "him."
jtartfof the world where they live, work, and spend their leisure.
courtesy campaign! at Mercy- There we also dropped Fitzie, Mary Taylor, and Joan
fThey, by observing fraternal charity, help the student world to
hurst? Well, please, if you 3
Then we headed*up North—up towards home.
Hive according to the standards of Christ'and His Church.
have any influence, bring to the
attention of the students a few Stopping infthe Wild West t o | leave off three
simple rules about shopping To see John Royale, Clark-Ash, and Pat Malarkey. ^
courtesy. Justltell theigirls that Back East in lour zephyred jeep we speed,
a "thank you" to the clerk Tojleave Jean Becker with her D. Darling Weed.
doesn't take a minute and may By parachute, at last, we land in Erie,
lighten the cares of that girl And that's the end or our poem, dearie.
behind the counter. Tell them Two Bolts (We're off our nuts!)
to remember, too, the old adage
about "Age before beauty"
1. Can you guess who the chic little Senior is who plans to
Jpend at least part of the Christmas vacation in sunny Florida?
She's an ardent admirer of the Navy and the color Navy blue, too.
when entering buses or eleva-
tors. When they are in doubt,
they can always consider them-
selves beautiful.
asse J3 ¥ ensor
From North Africa a soldier writes this striking description of
Her favorite picture is finished in oils; it is said that she is a well- Mass on the battlefront:
Well, enough of a sermon for
fpoised practice teacher—what would Jimmy sayfabout that? Today is Sunday and I just got back from Mass., It was held
tonight. And I hope my Molly
2. This blond -haired? Junior with long eyelashes (this should give in a large tent which normally serves as headquarters company
will try to practice what I
her away, but maybe you haven't looked that close!) bubbles over mess hall. It is reminiscent of a circus tent as it has a fringe along
preach. . . .
I with enthusiasm for people, clothes and J biology, and loves steak the side that gives it an atmosphere of pop corn and candy cotton.
and?mushrooms, neat rooms, fun, and a certain amount of|work— I Goodnight and love,
On the floor inside, seashore*sand is spread to the depth of three
well—do you ? § Mother
inches or more.

u
;
3r She's a Sophomore, slightj Now the thing that was different about the Mass today was the
and sporty. Her ambition, they fact that war prisoners were admitted for>the first time. On the
fsay| is to open a tea room)
Bter she graduates as a Home
leer. Her dry wit is offset by
1 4tews &
rom
her sweet smile. She has a sig- I Text books, by far, do not monopolize fall the reading time! of
ous back of feach one was a large "PW" in white - letters six inches
high that contrasted sharply with the blue workf clothes. They
knelt in reverent silence waiting for the ceremony to commence.
Presently the chaplain! appeared and Mass began. Suddenly the
h t in her "Big Sister" class. Mercyhurst girls, and to substantiate this point, the recent^ student Italians broke into a beautiful liturgical hymn. They did not sing
B° you know her? | | poll popped in with the question: What is your favorite|magazine as Americans do, in a half-ashamedjself-conscious manner, but in
and why ? The girls came back with a flood of opinions, and good a rugged robust voice. As soon as one was over, they began
y% You are* arrested jby her ones at that! another all through the ceremony. When communion came, about
sweet smile and striking ap- ten Americans got up, while more than half the Italians received.
this d a u h t e r of a Topping the poll by a majority was The Ladies Home Journal.
^»"ance| S When Mass was through, the Italians stayed to sing one last hymn
peal dentist. She came to Mer- This is not unusual since The Journal has a wide variety of stories while the Americans filed past them on their way out.
Kpjt&l this year to major in and clever poems, plus the illustrations of Jon Whitcomb, Al Parker, I f: 3 There were some who had
w & h because she loves to and Roy Spreter. Many girls enjoy especially Elizabeth Woodward's * gone through four and five
IjM and compose as well. She "Sub Deb Column." } years of bloody warfare. They
T 8 to
^ a l k and has a fav- I Then we turned a little more to the informative side as Reader's
M walking companion who Digest came in second. When one has only a few minutes in which
KEEP THE had seen suffering and death.
They had seen *friends cut to
J now- at 3 Georgetown Med to read, this magazine is the perfect companion. A variety of sub-
• M . Have you met this xn- jects on social, political, economic, and^religious problems in a con-
LID OFF ribbons by English, French, and
American machine gun and rifle
With|its hushed air off quiet
Resting Freshie? I expectancy! Christmas Eve fire. They were rugged fighting
densed but .interesting form makes Reader's Digest a best seller men, strong yet God-fearing.
at newstands* comes in on the padded foot-
fi& sJBorn ^April 19, this tall steps of white, swirling flakes. Despite all the hell they must
s
I P <*ious Freshie comes from Good Housekeeping! took third place. Home Economies' students There is the far-distant ringing have gone through, they did
r e n t
' P # She loves .anything boast this magazine has everything. Good stories, such timely ar- of a church bell m i ngled with not forget their God, You would
with music—especially ticles, together with ft hose special sections* devoted to fashions, the tinkling bells of a one- think that they would be cal- I
"Pera. Shi? beauty, hints for the home and cooking, gave rise to their prefer- horse sleigh, and with the faint, low, cynical; I have yet to see* ;|
lUiet
^ _ _ J s more or less a more reverent congregation
B H ^ M P sings either soprano ence. clear voices | of • the carolers
yoU don t know her singing "Silent Night, Holy anywhere. Tn my opinion, they
Nr iW *
l y i S ' perhaps her red hail
Also Mentioned
Night"
put Americans to shame.
m * N you a clue! £ I Naturally, everyone! is entitled to her* opinion^so we ^had quite And this night is holy with a
a few other magazines mentioned at the poll. Life certainly de- spirit thatfis as unchangeable
serves a place on our list. Up-to-date articles about present world and | deathless as Eternity it^j
affairs are sufficient reason for any student to enjoy this maga- self. Somehow,*there is no ques-
zine The Saturday Evening Post, brings us more up-to-the-minute tion about sharing with others.
news and besides; everyone loves "Little Lulu.' For our students The lid is off on giving, and
£ want the latest styles (and what girl doesn't) Madamoisele, it's "Merry Christmas" to
a a m r « r and Charm are their right hand men. McCalis, CosmopolKj every one from the ragged news^
£ n i S » . Colliers, and Liberty also give their readers many boy on the windy corner to the
minutes b f -interesting p l e a s u r e ^ president; of the company.^
And then what happens?
Our faculty was interested in. t h k studenl^pll
^T and a few volun-l
[was recommended After the first of the year the
'teered
te0req
their opinions* too. United Sfates | H | L Christmas spirit is wrapped up
™* ™ md The Commonweal for its aftfples and put away in cotton, along
I f ^ I ^ S i 5 £ S £ t l i S S * style, and i t s j ^ t a n d i n g with the tree ornaments. The
° ! * ? ! ? * ? LA L„'ll never iruess who put Popular Photopraphy Continued on Page 4
^ t r i b u t o r s . And you'll never gue
on our list!

•
 December 16 I943
THE ME R C I A D
Page 4

T H E STA©E> IS SE>T "Gts uou fth

At the N.F.C.C.S. convention held a t Villa Maria College De- *U
cember 4th, Mercyhurst was awarded the chairmanship of - the As I glance over the |jw« J
Lake Erie Regional Commission on the Catholic Thtater. shelves, trying to find ati H
The purpose of the whole Catholic theater movement is to develop HF esting book J t 0
1
- • — x A • l
b % m

a recommend \?
among the Catholic laity an appreciation of good Christian drama, my J busy Christmas reade I
to produce better plays, and to foster the writing of plays Cath- came upon—no, you'll —^ !

nev
olic in interest. The Catholic Theater Commission works toward the guess !-~the New Teatanie
accomplishment of this purpose. have often thumbed throuJjfvl |tj
This commissiongfunctions in three ways. First, The Mercyhurst pages and read sevmi M I
Little Theater. This is a service unit designed to offer help and sages, uut i never read » ~ij Pad
information t o any organization faced with technical dramatic mere enjoyment and spirft 1
problems. For example, a parish group that wants to present a benefits. (Those who b e W J —
EI™ T « ^ »- -i "? tft I
play could write to the Mercyhurst Little Theater and obtain ma- Fr. Latim er'sj M

classes ^ *
terial which would help it select, cast, stage, or direct the play; what I mean!) I t is true
or, if the parish is in this locality, members of the Mercyhurst it is old, but it is still m
COftl
Little Theater could personally help with the ^production. sidered "the best seller*!
[Second, the Janus Club. This tents? They are the i n s m^
organization is responsible for words of God Himself. /JJJS
OIljntftmaB. 1 9 4 3
all dramatic productions pre- ors? The Gospels were wribd
Soft silver snow blankets a sented a t Mercyhurst. I t is a by those remarkable Evan^J
frozen earth with its fluffy, balanced unit not only giving ists—Matthew, Mark, Luke 1
fragile flakes and soon forms those with acting ability an John. '*$.
popcorn balls on the branches opportunity to develop their
of the evergreens holding out art, but also giving those in- I took it down from the sjjeJ
their arms to gather in the terested in the stagecraft and and appropriately turned to tfe 1
CrH frozen cotton. A sparrow nest-
ling among the protective pines
publicity a chance to gain xe- verse 7 to find: "And L j
perience. The Janus Club is brought forth her first borl
Gospel of St. Luke, chapter \\\

cocks its head listening to the

also a chapter of Delta |Psi son and wrapped Him up jJ
UNDER WINTER'S iMYSTIC jSPfii. chimes in the church steeple.
Old and young are entering the Omega, nationals dramatic fra- swaddling* clothes and laid Hi J
Far away in the land of "Somewhere" King Winter sits en- church; each face reveals an ternity, and a member of the in a manger: because there w
throned, ready and? eager to launch his all out winter offensive individual emotion. The young- National Theater Conference. no room for them in the inn*
against the dwindling forces off Autumn.? Soon the long awaited sters tumble through the snow Third, classes. Many courses Then I realized I'd been missl
day, December 21, will be here and King Winter will be in his piles or cling to the hands of in the curriculum have certain ing the most wonderful book in
glory. He will roar orders in icy blasts of the North Wind to his their parents. Tiny faces beam aspects pertaining to the Catho- the world; for the New Testa
snow fairies. His most" active ally, Jack Frost, will|also be busy with joy of the holiday and the lic theater movement. Several ment is one that will neve
assigning the ice commandos to their various duties. The whole coming of the apple-cheeked, English classes deal with t h e grow old, and will become moi
land of "Winter" will be on its tiptoes to assure the success of the plural-chinned Santa Claus. study and writing of plays. The priceless with age.
mighty project of converting this world of ours into a "winter play production course gives
BehindHhem stroll a ' m a n in Mercyhurst students a n ac- Its story is the more thrilL
*> wonder-land". khakij and this sweetheart. He quaintance with t h e technical because it is true; its message]
Fairies at Work St u has been lucky enough to cornet problems of dramatic produc- more comforting because of th[
Indeed it is a large order—imagine the great task of festooning home for Christmas.^Upon their conditionfof this world;in which]
tion. we live. ]
this common, unadorned, and matter-of-fact world |with fairyl! faces is written a happy and Although t h e work of t h e M a y I suggestf that you buy
beautyiBut the fairies can do their work overnightfwith speed and contented expression mingled
Catholic Theater Commission a New Testament for yourself
ingenuity. Then,|in the morning, we wake to find our windows with* anxiety concerning an
is in its early stages, it is a as a Christmas present, and
frosted withfthosefpntricate lace —— unpredictable future. Around
patterns which!can only be ex- the corner, carefully treading rapidly growing movement. also lone for that brother
ecuted by Mother Nature's skill- i JOLLY DOLLYl through the snow, walk an (ahem!) in the service?
fully trained employees. Each High up on a Christmas tree . aged man and woman w'th hair
little window ledge has its *r Sat a little dollyf" that glistens the color of the Keep the Lid Off
frothy diamond frosting, and Way up there she winked snow. Their faces are wrinkled Continued from Page 3
her eye Christmas in Khaki
each window its own design. with a grim realization of this sparkle and the song have
When the pale- winter sun fil- In manner very jolly! year's Christmas. gone, not to be seen or heard Continued from Page 2
ters through in feeble but will- But now that trees just can't for another long year. The lid brighter a gloomy day can be-
ibe got, \ Here in America Christmas is
ing rays, it seems as if ordi- so peaceful and happy while is clamped on again, and too come. Christ will listen, Christ
nary windows have become ^ O u r t l i t t l e one-eyed "Polly" many of us go our way forgt- will understand, Christ willl
Will not be sad on Christ- "over there" soldiers are spend-
magnificent enough^ for some ing the holiday in the muck ting the less fortunate.
palace royal. mas day— comfort, Christ will give the)
and mud of trenches. Blood- That isn't right! The true solution, because He, as I've
Outside, the brown grass and "That truly would be folly!
coated soldiers kneel and raise meaning of Christmas should said before, knows what you
piles of dead leaves have disap- Why, if our foes think I'lljbe
glum their heads as bullets buzz not be limited to one short are enduring. And, Ted, a grand
peared. All is crystal! white. across the sky and shells knife season alone. Goodwill to men, thing to do would be to con-
The trees, under their snowy I'm 'velly, velly solly'
through the air. They raise which we call t h e Christmas secrate every daily acl£ to
loads, are bent double like Mo- Cause I'll be just as happy
their voices in a desperate spirit, is not for just one day Christ— you would be surpris-
hammedans inl prayer. Chubby, perched—
prayer for a "Merry Christ- or one week. I t is for all times ed how much more; it would
ajwhite mushrooms are clustered High on a sprig of holly!" and for all men.
mas" back home. mean. Perhaps you are only
where the shrubs once grew;
long, slender icicles reach down From the church drifts glim- cleaning your gun or even do
toward the ground from roofs JIT'S WORTH IT mering candle-light that plays Answers to Guess Guests ing K. P., yet such an ad
covered with soft downy quilts, The Bruce Publishing Com- tag with the falling snow pet- 1. Mary Moosmann. could be sanctified if at the
and each chimney wears a cap pany* and the Extension maga- als. As the chime sounds its 2. Theresa Kunzler. beginning of every day youj
of white lamb's wool. zine have announced joint spon- last echo, the yawning doors 3. Jean Erwin. would say "My Jesus, I offer
Silence Hangs Breathlessly sorship of the first Catholic of the church close on the be- 4. Pat Kakoras. Thee all my thoughts, words,
The singing brook is silenced prize novel competition offer- ginning of Christmas—1943.. 5. Elizabeth Fitzgerald. and| actions." I s that hard?
by a thick coating of ice; the ing a cash award of $500, seri- Surely not. |
banks are fluffed over the edge alization in Extension, and pub-
like giant cream puffs. All the lication inj book form by the
frogs and flashing fish are se- Bruce Company on a royalty sh o f f i c e r i n
'NUFF S A I D to
Wherever
that one
you are,
Friend
keep
who
closej
willj
„. f"^ a fashionable West End restaurant: " I never desert you; for Helhas
cure in their winter homes. basis. should like a porterhouse steak drowned in mushrooms, some said: "Anything * you ask the
Here and there, a bright whirl
Manuscripts are t o be: 1. delicately browned toast, and plenty of butter." ^Father in My Name, He will
of wings tells i that birds are
hitherto unpublished and en- or just give you." Perhaps you • aren't
living in the new white-branched P a r d Me y U to order
tered by an author a t least 20 r e m i n S W ' °" ' P " " ° **"«
so fortunate as I, in being ablej
willows. The old rail fence
years of age; 2. of highly liter- to have Christ come into Imy
is top heavy with cottony fluff
ary quality with stress placed Business students! Flash!
as it staggers up over the hill very heart and soul every morn-
on characterization, Jtheme and
and down into the meadows. A w J n Z L T I ^ hear that the demand for
secretaries in ing at Mass when I pray "extra
readability; 3. not less than
pioneer rabbit has braved the o ^ t e ^ e ™ ^ 6 S great that
° « * " " « * « are given only special" for your safe return;
70,000 words and not longer
shining whiteness of the day w a s h i but neither wars nor miles can]
than 80,000 words. m a c h h t J t y p e w i t ^ if ^ b e T W f " ^ f * * » * ^
in search of food and left tell- e y Can pick o u t th bar either of tis from becoming J
tale footprints behind. Silence For further .information we| hired. * typewriter, they're
intimate with our "Mutual
hangs breathlessly by a silken refer you to the main bulletin Friend."
thread as a small spruce ar- board or to members of the Here's a man for you!
Merciad editorial staff. How n WaS 8ittin with This has been an extra long |
rogantly raises its arms, its
snow burden slipping noiseless- about it, you budding authors! th te ^^W^f visit ° Pi some reiatives * S SheS eat befo:
before letter, Ted, but somehow I hope j
ly to the earth. The overhang- hurst!
ing blanket of blue-grey makes
Let'si have la winner a t Mercy- h
s to keep WMmm > ° *§?id it will make giving
as the case may be, take on a
> or dying,

the snow brighter by contrast, fire died.

<"ed. The
The dt-Tht mmmm
wife returned Qfe« : 7 .-?«* ^ m
, uurs
P SS a ed.
passed. Th
The more worthwhile .purpose. You I
sno ring before the dead S e J ? T lo k at h r
° * ^band can see that | purpose if y° J u
and . the great gnarled tree calm, slumbering under win- | The hnoKn i i "rejand screamed: "Fire!" glance a t that medal that goesf
trunks so much {the darker. The t e r s mystic spell. And so shall
broken contours of the rutted Slumbe r and
rammed ta^^^*^ J™ ^ the door of the oven, on the chain with your "dog
* . dream until gun ready!" ' s l a n u n e d t h e door
> «nd cried, "Number on. tag"—it will showL you^ that ^
road are softened as it narrows Miss Spring comes into the
and disappears over the hill. world with her fragrant breath, youjhave an Eternal Command-
All the world is clean and rousing us anew to life's fragile Did you hear about th er-in-chief who will guide yH
beauties. from San Diego to New York and ^ l e little moron who
W h
° ° r rode
d e hhis
i s sstick
t i h to safety. j.
he arHved h
orae
as if he had walked al7th<? way! *" ' * was as tired A s ever,
Peg