“Remembering Classmates from the 1940’s School Days”

Remembering “Stella”

February 11th reminded me of the Conformation  Name  “Bernadette”   that I took… after seeing the old but very good movie, ‘Song of Bernadette.’ 

In the mid 1940’s  and  when in the 3rd or 4th grade, my friend, “Stella M. Santoyo” a classmate… took the name, “Bernadette” when we were  to be confirmed.

When  it was time for  “Conformation” which would take  place in the early months of a year… and we were both  in the German St. Vincent’s Orphanage,  and also  in the same Grade… all the children that had not been confirmed… were told to think about taking a “Saint’s Name”… and  make it a “NAME” that would have meaning to you.

In the beginning  of the year… there are several  “HOLIDAYS”  to be  celebrated and generally in celebration… a movie would be shown in the auditorium for all the Nuns and Children. You have to remember that in those days… there was no  “Television” as people went to the MOVIE Theater… which was really a big thing to do … back then!

On  this one occasion, the movie “Song of Bernadette” was shown. At that time my friend Stella,  a classmate and I  having watch  this movie … really found a real meaning in this particular  movie  and about  the  true  life story of Bernadette – we just decided that we had to take that name, “Bernadette.”

Everyone to be confirmed would be reading about the different names of the “Saints”  and just trying to find out  as much as possible to see if  some  “SAINT’s name” and their  personal story would be something to try focusing  on…  a name that would  have some  meaning  for direction in and on our own lives …  AND … for all of  our  Life!

We also… that is  Stella and I … were very good friends, still remember her birth date of June 6th, and her  “I.D.”number was #90 and my number was #91.  We both dressed as  “Indian maidens” in a parade we were in,  and if any prizes were to be given out… we  surely would have been “Top Winners”. 

We were both good friends of  “Sister Seraphine” and since she liked us so well, Stella and I got the first choice to pick from all the new hats for Easter.  Some good and  wonderful benefactor who should surely have  received lots of extra prayers of  “Thanks” … for their wonderful donation to the Home!

I saw the movie, “Song of Bernadette”  again,  not too long ago and I really think more people should see it. Every chance that I get or know that it will be on Television, today… I make sure that  I will see this  old movie…  as it is just one of the  long ago “1940” era… and  a for sure golden oldie’s!

If ever … I see  or hear about this old movie coming up for a   “re run”… there  I  will be with…  the old days… gone by good  times… and  as always  just taking myself back… into the “Grade SCHOOL  DAYS”  … and there I am reminiscing  with fond memories…  just  remembering  just how good we all had it… way back an when!    D.V.


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