Reflection #81: A Reflection on the '60's

            When we reach a certain age, hearing that a former friend and colleague has passed away brings about a feeling of melancholy. 

            Such was the case when I heard that Fr. Harry Meirose, S.J., had died.  Father Meirose was at Saint Ignatius for only a short time, from 1964 to 1969, but in that time, we struck up a friendship and even took a couple of sight-seeing vacations together.  I’ve stated before that, because of our different life styles, it was not common for Jesuits and laymen to bond, so our friendship was somewhat unusual.

            His obituary stated the following: “After ordination, he taught religion and served as a student counselor at Saint Ignatius College Prep from 1964-1969. He then moved to Indianapolis, where he worked at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in various capacities.”  At Brebuef, Fr. Meirose joined his brother, Fr. Carl Meirose, who was its president at that time.

         At this point in my life, losing friends and colleagues happens far too often.  So many of the men that I worked with in the ‘60’s, both Jesuits and laymen, are no longer with us, and each time that I hear about it, I am left with a “tug” in my heart and fond memories of our shared experiences.

            On a happier note, again referencing the ‘60’s, on Jan. 15, the class of ’67 met in the alumni room, in the bulding referred to as “1019”, for a mini-reunion.  This has become a tradition with this class over several years, along with other gatherings through the year.  They meet to catch up on each others’ lives and reminisce about their “glory” days at 1076.  This year, after enjoying pizza, supplied by Cas Baczinskas, restauranteur and member of the class of ’68, most went to the gym with the hopes of cheering on the Ignatius basketball team to victory.  (Sadly, that night, the victory part did not happen.) 

Gathering for reunions is not their only activity.   At Christmas, members of the class of ‘67 have made contributions to help make the season a little brighter for a family in need.  They have also been instrumental in funding the upgrading of the alumni facility at 1019.

Though I am not a member of their class, I have been, for want of a better word, adopted by this group as a conduit to their past.  When they were students, I was a coach and teacher for many.  

            I’ve often thought that what this class of alumni do would be a grand idea for other classes, but it does take a fair amount of work and organization to pull off successfully. 

That’s all for now.