Tuesday, January 11, 1944
"We began the day in San Francisco Bay with Mass at five-thirty, or rather four Masses. It was an occasion we shall never forget. The Captain was reluctant to grant the permission, but the Chief Steward gladly allowed the use of the men's dining room, provided we were finished shortly after six. It made us think of the catacombs as we hurried through the darkness. The priests had already spread altar cloths over the red checked tablecloths and with the help of the Maryknoll Sisters were setting up the other necessities for Mass. We had to hand over our Missals and prayerbooks to support the altar cards and Missal stand. Two Masses were said simultaneously, Fathers Chisholm and Lima first, while Fathers Zimba and Morgan answered. Everything was done very quietly and quickly. We all received Holy communion. Before the last Masses were finished, the work of the day was beginning in the galley, so that we couldn't tarry a moment too long. We then repaired to the boat deck, where we stood and said all our vocal prayers for the day, in total darkness, watching the lights of San Francisco and Oakland. After a hearty breakfast, we made up our bunks. At nine, the general alarm rang for all to appear on deck dressed in their life jackets. After instructions on how to adjust them, and on what to do with the red light, whistle and knife that accompanied the jackets, an officer informed us that this is not a pleasure trip, that we are to observe complete blackout from dusk to dawn. No one is allowed on the boat deck after sundown, and all decks must be cleared at nine o'clock. There is to be no smoking after sundown since the light of a match can be seen for two miles. He stated further that the dining room is to be used at no other time, nor for any other purpose, except meals.
"Soon we heard we were leaving in a short time. It was 'anchors aweigh' at ten-forty. So far there are in the convoy seven ships and a destroyer. In single file we sailed under the Bay Bridge. From the railing we watched Coit Tower (from which we had so often and so longingly watched the Bay.) Before we reached the Golden Gate, we had to answer the call for lunch. We hurried through it, coming back on deck at the precise moment we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge. We watched while mine sweepers went ahead, making sure our way was safe. Two blimps circled around us constantly, while airplanes flew far ahead, then back again. At one o'clock we stopped near a yacht from which a rowboat put out to pick up an officer from our ship. We continued very slowly whle we were getting into convoy formation. We are now in the lead with two cargo ships beside us and four more, two by two, behind us. A destoyer stays ahead to protect us. Before sundown we were entirely out of sight of land. We were disappointed to learn that we may not have Mass during the week because, due to blackout regulations, no one may be on deck before seven in the morning. If the weather permits we may have Mass on deck Sunday. We all went to bed very early, partly to avoid our lay companions, who are now quite friendly. A group of passengers gave an impromptu concert on deck, singing many old favorites to the accompaniment of Mr. Foley's harmonica. All are well - good sailors so far. A few of the Maryknollers have been laid low."
Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger, Virginia Dugger, of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet - one of the four Sisters who were missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944
"We began the day in San Francisco Bay with Mass at five-thirty, or rather four Masses. It was an occasion we shall never forget. The Captain was reluctant to grant the permission, but the Chief Steward gladly allowed the use of the men's dining room, provided we were finished shortly after six. It made us think of the catacombs as we hurried through the darkness. The priests had already spread altar cloths over the red checked tablecloths and with the help of the Maryknoll Sisters were setting up the other necessities for Mass. We had to hand over our Missals and prayerbooks to support the altar cards and Missal stand. Two Masses were said simultaneously, Fathers Chisholm and Lima first, while Fathers Zimba and Morgan answered. Everything was done very quietly and quickly. We all received Holy communion. Before the last Masses were finished, the work of the day was beginning in the galley, so that we couldn't tarry a moment too long. We then repaired to the boat deck, where we stood and said all our vocal prayers for the day, in total darkness, watching the lights of San Francisco and Oakland. After a hearty breakfast, we made up our bunks. At nine, the general alarm rang for all to appear on deck dressed in their life jackets. After instructions on how to adjust them, and on what to do with the red light, whistle and knife that accompanied the jackets, an officer informed us that this is not a pleasure trip, that we are to observe complete blackout from dusk to dawn. No one is allowed on the boat deck after sundown, and all decks must be cleared at nine o'clock. There is to be no smoking after sundown since the light of a match can be seen for two miles. He stated further that the dining room is to be used at no other time, nor for any other purpose, except meals.
"Soon we heard we were leaving in a short time. It was 'anchors aweigh' at ten-forty. So far there are in the convoy seven ships and a destroyer. In single file we sailed under the Bay Bridge. From the railing we watched Coit Tower (from which we had so often and so longingly watched the Bay.) Before we reached the Golden Gate, we had to answer the call for lunch. We hurried through it, coming back on deck at the precise moment we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge. We watched while mine sweepers went ahead, making sure our way was safe. Two blimps circled around us constantly, while airplanes flew far ahead, then back again. At one o'clock we stopped near a yacht from which a rowboat put out to pick up an officer from our ship. We continued very slowly whle we were getting into convoy formation. We are now in the lead with two cargo ships beside us and four more, two by two, behind us. A destoyer stays ahead to protect us. Before sundown we were entirely out of sight of land. We were disappointed to learn that we may not have Mass during the week because, due to blackout regulations, no one may be on deck before seven in the morning. If the weather permits we may have Mass on deck Sunday. We all went to bed very early, partly to avoid our lay companions, who are now quite friendly. A group of passengers gave an impromptu concert on deck, singing many old favorites to the accompaniment of Mr. Foley's harmonica. All are well - good sailors so far. A few of the Maryknollers have been laid low."
Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger, Virginia Dugger, of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet - one of the four Sisters who were missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944
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