CHAPTER XII.
FIRST COMMUNION.
After school closed Mrs. Allen had a serious conversation with her sonon the subject of First Holy Communion. "You are now past eleven, dearchild, and I want you and Amy to devote the whole vacation to immediatepreparation for your First Communion. Sister Amy is thirteen, but owingto her infirmity, has been deprived of that favor until now. I have madearrangements with the Sisters of Mercy to take you for the next sixweeks, that you may be under special instruction and away frommischievous pranks and scrapes like those of last summer, when incompany with the village boys."
"But Ma, dear, six weeks! Will I have to be silent and pray all thattime?"
"No, no, my son; there are a few nice boys in the Convent who willremain all summer, so you will not be without recreation. Indeed, youwill have plenty of fun, for the Sisters play ball with the boys."
Amy came into the room while her mother was speaking.
"I have just been telling Bolax of what we propose doing by way ofpreparation for that most important event of our lives, viz: the Firstreception of our dear Lord in Holy Communion."
"You both know your catechism perfectly, and I am sure understand allyou have studied. I know you firmly believe all the sacred truthscontained in the Gospels and Teachings of the Catholic Church. For thepast three years our talks on the subject have been many and earnest.You know how kind our dear Lord was while here on earth, how he fed fivethousand people in the wilderness. Well, He is just as loving and kindnow, and gives us His precious Body and Blood to nourish and comfort oursouls. So, dear children, let all your thoughts, words and actions fromthis day be offered up as a preparation for that greatest of all eventsof your life, your First Holy Communion."
AMY.]
"We will give up all reading, except books that lead our thoughts toholy things, not necessarily dull or uninteresting because they areholy. You know how delighted you were with 'Fabiola,' 'Faber's Tales ofthe Angels,' 'Babies Who Died for Christ,' 'The Little Spouse of theBlessed Sacrament.'"
"I should like to read 'Fabiola' again Ma, dear," said Amy. "I alwaysfeel--I don't know exactly how to describe my feelings after readingsuch a book as 'Fabiola'--happy, calm, a longing to have been one of thefirst Christians to have loved our dear Lord as did little St. Agnes."
"And I," said Bo, "wouldn't I enjoy going round with the big soldierQuadratus, and tearing down the Emperor's edicts against the Christians.Oh, wouldn't I play tricks on those mean old Pagans; I tell you I'd makethem skiddoo."
"Mamma," said Amy, pointing to a painting of Ecce Homo, "I do so lovethat sad face; sometimes when I sit here and look at it intently, theeyes seem to open. Once I was so sure of it, I got Hetty to take thepicture down. Oh, I feel so sorry for our dear Lord, especially hiscrown of thorns. Why, oh why, couldn't they have taken it off while hewas carrying the cross. He must have struck His sacred head against thecross as he staggered under its heavy weight up that awful road toCalvary," and the gentle, tender-hearted girl sobbed aloud.
Bolax, at this, jumped up, dashing a book against the wall and kickinghis chair, he exclaimed: "Oh, if I had been there I would have gotten acrowd of boys and thrown stones at those awful executioners! Surely lotsof boys must have known and followed Jesus--what cowards they were! Youdon't hear of any one offering to help Him; every one was afraid exceptbrave, glorious St. Veronica."
"My dear impetuous boy, I am comforted to know you think of and feel forour suffering Savior."
"What you would have done had you been present at the awful scene on theroad to Calvary, do now, by making sacrifices of your own will,suffering something for the love of Jesus."
"You must not compare the American boy with the boys of those long agotimes; the Roman soldiers who were driving Jesus were naturally crueland rejoiced in having a victim on which to exercise their cruelty. Theywould have exterminated even a crowd of men had they dared to interfere,and boys would have been crushed to death instantly. Mercy was anunknown virtue to the people of those days."
"Mamma," said Amy, "thinking of my general Confession, I feel I mustask your advice on one subject; is it a sin to pray for animals?"
"Oh, Ma, dear," interrupted Bolax, "I want to ask about that too."
"Elmer Mullen laughed at me when I told him I always prayed for poorhorses, dogs and cats that I saw badly treated. Sometimes I beg men andboys to cease their cruelties; often I fight those that won't stoptormenting animals, then when all fails I just pray for the poor things.And Ma, dear, while I think of it, did you ever see a nanny goat faint?"
Serious little Amy burst out laughing at the odd question, and Bo'searnest expression of countenance when asking it.
"It's nothing to laugh at, Sister. I'll tell you how it happened. TomBurk and Dan Donavan were trying to make their goat pull them in alittle wagon, but she was not able; they beat her and she fell over andshut her eyes. I stooped over her and rubbed her head. Then a man came,and after a long wait she came to, and he ordered the boys to take poorNanny into the stable."
"My dear, kind boy, we will have to make you President of the'Prevention of Cruelty Society.' Several people have told me what alittle champion you have shown yourself on many occasions."
"Well," said Amy, "I cannot fight to prevent cruelty, but all my life Ihave prayed for that intention. When I pray for a poor over-laden horseor a homeless, starved dog, I always say, 'Dear God, you made thesecreatures, surely you cannot be angry if I ask you to have pity onthem.'"
Mrs. Allen put her head down on the table to hide her emotion, but thechildren thought it was because she was shocked at what they had toldher about the prayers. Amy put both her hands on her mother's arm,saying: "Ma dear, oh, I hope it was not a mortal sin! And just to thinkI never confessed it! I never thought it was a sin at all."
Here Mrs. Allen raised her head, tears were in her eyes. Bolax put hisarms around her neck, saying: "Dear, dear Ma, is it really so bad a sinas to cause you to weep?"
"My darlings, bless your dear compassionate hearts. I must plead guiltyof the very same sin. Without ever letting any one know it, since mychildhood I have prayed that the cruel driver might have mercy on hispoor horse; that the starving animals might be helped in some way. Iprayed that a mercy stroke might be given the dying horses on thebattlefield; that the God of Compassion would have pity on the thousandsof sheep and cattle who perish miserably on the unsheltered plains. Oh,surely our prayers are not lost! Many saints were renowned for theirlove of the brute creation; dear St. Francis of Assisi called them hislittle brothers and sisters. So let us hope our dear Lord will not beoffended for what we have done in a spirit of pity and love for His dumbcreatures."
CRY OF THE LITTLE BROTHERS.
E. M. BARBY.
We are the little brothers, homeless in cold and heat, Four-footed little beggars, roaming the city street, Snatching a bone from the gutter, creepin' thro' alleys drear, Stoned and sworn at and beaten, our hearts consumed with fear. You pride yourselves on the beauty of your city fair and free, Yet we are dying by thousands in coverts you never see. You boast of your mental progress, of your libraries, schools and halls, But we who are dumb denounce you as we crouch beneath their walls. You sit in your tinseled playhouse, and weep o'er a mimic wrong, Our woes are the woes of the voiceless; our griefs are unheeded in song. You say that the same God made us. When before His throne you come, Shall you clear yourselves in His presence On the plea that He made us dumb? Are your hearts too hard to listen to a starving kitten's cries, Or too gay for the patient pleading in a dog's beseeching eyes? Behold us, your little brothers, starving, beaten, oppressed-- Stretch out a hand to help us that we may have food and rest. Too long have we roamed neglected, too long have we sickened with fear, The mercy you hope and pray for, you can grant us now and here.
BOLAX GOES TO THE CONVENT OF ST. IMELDA.
On July sixth Mrs. Allen took her son to the Convent, where ReverendMother Gertrude recei
ved them cordially, and placed Bolax under the careof Sister Joseph, who was to be his special instructress for HolyCommunion.
For a few days he felt homesick, but soon got over it. The good Sistershad always some work or play to occupy their pupils, so that time neverseemed long or lonely to the boys.
As the school was only eight miles from Midville, some one went downevery week and all the household sent letters to our boy. ReverendMother gave Mrs. Allen an invitation to spend the three days of theretreat in the Convent with her children, as Amy's health would notpermit her to remain away from her mother's care.
CONVENT OF ST. IMELDA.
_Dearest Mother and all at Home_: You will be glad to know that I amwell and happy. My First Holy Communion is always in my mind, and I amdoing all I can to prepare for the great day. I went to Confession tothe Chaplain Father Drumgool, and I will make my General Confession inone week's time.
Please come down to see me as soon as you get this, I want to see youparticularly, bring Sister Amy, I want Mother Gertrude and the Sistersto see her. I make two visits to the Blessed Sacrament every day, andbeg our Lord to make me worthy to receive Him.
Your loving son,
BOLAX.
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JULY 18TH.
_My Beloved Son_: Yours just received, and oh how it gladdens my heartto know you are contented.
I dream of you every night, and my heart longs for you, but I know it isbest for your soul to be with the blessed Sisters. The longer you are insuch a heavenly place, the less you will feel like leaving it. I lookback at my Convent days as the happiest of my life.
Papa has felt less pain in his arm for the last few days, so yourprayers are being heard already. God bless you, darling, and make you agood and sincere Catholic.
MAMMA.
Offer all your actions, even your play, as so many prayers that yourFirst Communion may be a very holy one. Sister sends her dearest love;pray that she may be able to make her retreat with you at the Convent.
Your loving,
MOTHER.
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HOME, JULY 26TH.
_My Dear Little Nephew_: Your mother was so glad to see somethingbelonging to you that she actually kissed the bundle of your soiledclothes. Oh, dear child! I wonder if you ever will repay that mother forher adoring love of you. All she asks in return is, that you will alwaysbe a fervent Catholic all the days of your life. Don't disappoint her.
Several of the boys were here asking for you, but we did not explain whyyou were away, as they would not understand about First Holy Communion.Elmer came and was so glad to hear of you being in the Convent.
Amy and I will be down to see you in a day or two. I will then tell allthe news, so this letter will have to be short.
Your loving Aunt,
LUCY ALLEN.
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_Dear Little Master_: Wherever you be, do stop for a moment and listento me, while here on this paper I try to relate how sad we dogs are; notknowing your fate. "Mamma Fan" says you're dead, that she ought to know,for all her three puppies told her so.
They miss the big giant who came every day to love them and squeeze themwhile she was away.
Tot went to your room and snuffed all around, then he cried very loud,for all that he found was just an old shoe, torn inside and out. Oh!said he, now I know Bolax's whereabout, those "Goblins" have caught him,cause he wouldn't "watch out."
Your lovingest dog,
DON.
* * * * *
_My Honey Boy_: You' old Hetty miss you night and day. Law! de howsedone got so still, even de dogs notis it.
Ef I say you' name dey looks all round, and den dey whynes when theykant find you.
I'se hopen you is goin' to get relijon enuff to last you de rest of you'life. Pat sends love, he kant rite, so he axed me to rite dat for him.
You is prayen for me, I no, bekose dat pane I had in my bak and my nee,is done gone.
God bless you, dis is from you' own old
HETTY.
* * * * *
AUGUST 8TH.
_Soul of My Heart_: Your conduct yesterday showed wonderful improvement.
I noticed your patience on two occasions, then your willingness to gowithout the candy although I could see you wanted it.
All this shows you are learning the Catholic spirit of mortification,or, as you will better understand it; giving up what is most pleasing tous, and bearing with little privations. You are now I hope doing allthis with good will, as a preparation for your First Holy Communion.
Our Lord will notice each act of self-abnegation made for His sake.
How like Heaven that Convent is. Often in dreams I am in my old Conventsinging the hymns, walking in the May procession, but most glorious ofall were the First Communion days. The hymn for that day comes back tome now and thrills my heart.
O saint Autel qu'environent les Anges! Qu' avec transport, aujourd 'hui je te vois, Ici mon Dieu l'objet de mes louanges, Vient dans mon coeur, pour la premiere fois.
O darling; how I would love to shield you from all the trials of theworld. O offer myself to our Lord as a victim; to do with me what Hewill, send me any cross or trial, no matter how hard to bear, if only Hereceives my children among His chosen ones and secures their eternalsalvation.
Be very attentive to all the instructions you receive, and do all inyour power to make a perfect preparation for the great grace you willreceive.
O my beloved! in after years, when troubled with worldly cares, it willbe a consolation to look back on these days of holiness and peace.Thoughts of them will come upon you, long after the heart that dictatesthese words of love shall have ceased to throb, and the hand that pensthem shall be--dust.
MAMMA.
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ST. XAVIER'S COLLEGE.
_Dear Little Friend_: I congratulate you sincerely on your happyprivilege of receiving our Lord. It is a good thing on this occasion tomake good resolutions, but you must not rest satisfied with making them,you must turn all the energy of your will to keeping them exactly as youmade them.
It is not right to pledge one's word to God, and afterwards take nopains to carry out the promise. If you promised a boy of your own agesomething and then neglected your word, the boy would despise you.
It is much worse to treat God with neglect. I do hope that after yourFirst Holy Communion you will strive hard to overcome your defects, tocorrect the faults that your Mother notices in you.
That you will endeavor to give the greatest satisfaction to your parentsis our Lord's wish, and mine. They have labored so much for you,suffered so much; your mother especially, they have had so much troublewith you when you were a helpless infant, that it would be the greatestingratitude now, when you are able, not to seek to give them pleasureand comfort.
Another reason for paying the closest attention to what your parents sayis that they are your best friends, all they want from you is for yourgood; so if you are docile and obedient you will become a good man, andnot one that we should be ashamed of in after life.
Say your prayers every evening, renew your good resolutions everymorning, and promise to obey in everything, and I am sure you willbecome a good man.
Your friend in Christ,
ALOYSIUS ROCOFORT, S. J.
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MARQUETTE COLLEGE, AUGUST 14TH.
Master Bolax Allen.
_My Dear Little Friend_: Your letter has given me a great deal ofpleasure. At first I could not think who was writing; then I rememberedyou are the boy who wished I might live a hundred years. So this is theeve of your First Holy Communion!
Well dear, you have my best prayers that your heart may be adorned withall the virtues that will make it worthy o
f so great a grace.
You write a nice letter, just the kind Claude used to write. I hope youwill love your religion and hate sin as did little Claude Lightfoot.
Your friend in Christ,
F. J. FINN, S. J.
On August 12th the children's Retreat opened, Mrs. Allen and Amy tookthe train in the morning so as to arrive at St. Imelda's before noon.Their first visit was to the Chapel, then Sister Joseph conducted themover the house and grounds. Bolax insisted on showing the "Mostbeautiful cows in the world," as he termed the well-kept Convent herd.
The Retreat opened at four in the afternoon, with Rosary and Benedictionof the Blessed Sacrament.
The order of exercises were Holy Mass at half past six. Then breakfast.A walk in the grounds; spiritual reading, Stations of the Cross, not theprayers in books, but some story told at each station, then an act ofcontrition, and a prayer for the holy souls.
After dinner Bo was asked to help Sister Martha to weed the garden andgather vegetables, so that he might join work to prayer. He wasdelighted to think he could be of use, but, of course, the dear sisteronly wanted to give him occupation, that he might not feel the silenceof the retreat too monotonous.
Amy made many visits to the Blessed Sacrament, indeed she would haveremained hours in the Chapel if allowed. Mrs. Allen read interesting andinstructive spiritual books, especially one by Pere Bordalou on the"Last Supper." This she read every day, because she was anxious that itshould be deeply engraven on her children's minds and hearts.
After the evening meal some of the Sisters would sit with the familyunder the trees in the garden, or walk about the beautiful grounds. Oneday Amy pointed to a bed of lilies of the valley, saying: "Sister, whenI die I want to be buried under those lilies." "My darling," exclaimedher mother, startled by the earnest manner of the child, "don't talk ofdying, what would I ever do without my little daughter. Oh, no, myprecious, our Lord will surely spare you to help me, besides you know,you are your father's guardian angel. I depend on your prayers,particularly for his conversion."
Lucy and Mr. Allen were anxious to be present at the ceremony on thefifteenth of August, but there was no hotel in the vicinity of theConvent and no train could be had from Midville at so early an hour.
Mother Gertrude said, Miss Lucy could come to the Convent, then she wentto see one of her friends, a Mrs. O'Donnell, who lived a short walk fromthe Convent gate; this lady gladly offered to receive Mr. Allen for thenight, so both father and aunt had the pleasure of being present at theceremony in the morning.
The Feast of the Assumption was celebrated with unusual splendor at St.Imelda's. Five little girls renewed their First Communion, dressed inwhite and wearing wreaths and veils. Amy's costume was very plain, butspotlessly white and new; her mother did not approve of dressingchildren in finery for so sacred a function, lest thoughts of theiroutward appearance should divert their mind from the holy act they wereabout to perform.
Mr. Allen and kind Mrs. Donald were at the Chapel door just as theAngelus bell was ringing; they were ushered into a seat by one of theSisters. At ten minutes of six the organ played a grand prelude and allthe Sisters and children sang: "Jesus, My Love, is Mine Today."
It was a most impressive scene; the soft, solemn music, the devoutattention of the children, even the little boys so still andrespectful.
Mr. Allen had never before witnessed such devout Worship.
When the time came to approach the altar, Reverend Mother led thechildren to the communion rail, while the choir sang soft and low, "ComeInto My Heart, Dear Jesus, Come."
Little Amy looked so white and seemed to tremble.
The priest stood with the Sacred Host in his hands; slowly and withevident emotion, repeating the "Domine non sum dignus."
The children then returned to their seats with hands joined and eyescast down; Amy's cheeks, which had been so pale were now delicatelycolored. There was such a transformation. It seemed that a smile fromheaven played around her lips, to give them angelic grace.
After Mass the children were clasped in their parents' arms, and all thesisters and friends congratulated them on their happiness.
In taking leave Mr. Allen thanked the Reverend Mother most heartily forher kindness to his family and expressed himself as being "almostconquered."
Mrs. Allen remained with her children for the afternoon services, whichwere: The renovation of the Baptismal vows, Benediction of the BlessedSacrament and a short sermon.
THE CHAPLAIN'S ADDRESS TO THE FIRST COMMUNICANTS.
Dear children I do not intend speaking to you of Faith. I am sure yoursis firm and sincere. I come only to remind you of your promises made toour blessed Lord this morning, to ask you to fill your hearts tooverflowing with love. Love for our merciful Jesus in all stages of Hislife and death, but particularly love for Him in the divine Sacrament.
Love makes all things easy! so dear children, never tire asking theBlessed Mother of Jesus to give you of the love which filled her heart,that yours may ever be adorned with the virtues which will make it a fitabiding place for your merciful and sweet Saviour.
Love for Jesus will give you patience to bear with the contradictionsand crosses you meet with; even little children have crosses. They maybe reprimanded for a fault which another committed; bear the reproofpatiently for the love of Jesus; a companion may be harsh and unjusttowards you, be glad that you have something to suffer for love ofJesus. A bouquet of sacrifices to offer at the end of each day, will bemore acceptable than if it were the most exquisite flowers culled fromyour gardens.
Dearest children come as often as you can to the Holy Table, don't beafraid--don't think of your unworthiness, no one ever was entirelyworthy of Holy Communion, except the Blessed Mother of Jesus.
Come! I say, eat this heavenly bread that you may be strong to resistall temptations, that you may learn to love our Lord devotedly on earth,so as to be prepared for an eternity of love in Heaven.