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disposed otherwise. He became an accomplished pianist; but, on New Year’s day of 1904, happening, at the suggestion of his mother who thought the boy might enjoy the novelty of seeing a Catholic service, to attend high Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Edmond, he was so thoroughly impressed with the devotional character of the music and liturgy that, ere Mass was over, he had not only determined to become a Catholic, but at the same time heard the call of the Master to become one of His anointed. The parents of the lad, noticing the tendency that had developed, forbade his attending Catholic services for the future. He applied secretly, however, to the local priest for instructions, and was prepared for reception into the Church, but a severe illnes and parental objections delayed his formal conversion until July, 1905.
Msgr. J. B. Dudek. He continued his studies at the Normal School in the meantime, receiving two diplomas from the institution. Owing to circumstances, he was obliged, for the time being, to abandon any thought of pursuing an ecclesiastical course, but he had become proficient in German and Latin, as well as in the fine arts. In the autumn of 1908, at the insistence of many friends interested in his musical ability, he applied for a professorship of music at the Edmond Normal, which he secured, after taking short special courses in Dallas, Texas, and Chicago, in preparation therefor. Not finding teaching to his liking, the young man, after spending some time in travel, entered the office of the Wells-Abbott-Nieman Co. in his native town of Schuyler, Nebraska, where he remained for over two years. In 1910, however, at the Eucharistic Congress in Montreal, he was inwardly reminded of the call of the Saviour, “Come, follow me!”, which, while not forgotten, had thus far, because of seeming difficulties, remained unheeded. Having attained his majority, he resigned what promised to be a successful business career, and repaired to the Abbey of the Benedictine Fathers at Sacred Heart