Stepping onto Quasquicentennial with Glory and Grandeur Sacred Heart Convent – Galle
View(s):Sacred Heart Convent, one of the leading girls’ schools in the Galle District, is all poised to jubilate her grandeur with the inauguration of the quasquicentennial celebrations on 24th of November 2020.
Founded as a private school on 24th November 1896, Sacred Heart Convent was handed over to the state in 1978. Presently, the school imparts education to 2300 girls moulding their character with the highest standards of learning, discipline and empathy in line with her motto ‘One Heart One Soul.’
The school’s history goes hand in hand with the inauguration of the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary (SCJM) in Sri Lanka.
On the invitation of Mgr. Joseph Van Reeth, the first Bishop of Galle Diocese, five Reverend Sisters from Belgium had set foot on this blessed island to propagate their mission here.
Upon arrival they laid foundation to the SCJM in Sri Lanka. On 24th November 1896, they launched their first mission – founding of Sacred Heart Convent School. One of those pioneering Reverend Sisters, Rev. Sr. William Brennan, became the first principal of the school.
The SCJM in Sri Lanka consisting of nearly 150 Reverend Sisters takes much pride in stepping onto 125th year of their great service in diverse fields such as education, nursing, pastoral care. Thus, the jubilee celebration of SCJM in Sri Lanka is quite synonymous with that of Sacred Heart Convent School.
Despite being governed by the state, the patron of Sacred Heart Convent School is the Mother Superior – a testimony for the co-relationship between the convent and the school.
Apart from academic excellence, students of Sacred Heart Convent have showcased their prowess in numerous fields relating to extra-curricular activities.
A special Holy Mass was held recently at the Chapel of Sacred Heart Convent under the auspices of Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, the Bishop of Galle Diocese invoking blessings for the commemorative celebrations of 125 years. On the invitation by Rev. Sr. Malkanthi Fernando, the Mother Superior of Sacred Heart Convent, Galle, His Lordship inaugurated the quasquicentennial celebrations by reading out the declaration at this solemn event attended by Reverend Fathers, Rev. Sr. Ajitha Fernando, the Provincial Superior of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, other Reverend Sisters, Rev. Sr. Sandya Fernando, principal of SHC and deputy principals, other distinguished guests, officials representing the School Development Society, the Past Pupils’ Association, the Parents’ Association, teachers and a few students.
In the introduction to the event, the proud history of SCJM in Sri Lanka was unveiled with much gratitude elaborating how the mission of SCJM which started in 1896 has flourished today with the indefatigable efforts of the Sisters of their congregation.
These inspiring facts kindled a sense of love for this hallowed institute.
Thoughtful prayers for the prosperity of the congregation and the school were also delivered by other Rev. Sisters at this Holy Mass. A special tribute was also paid to all those who contributed immensely to uplift their service of charity.
Rev. Sr. Ajitha Fernando, the Provincial Superior of Sisters of Charity, proposing the vote of thanks joined in sending her prayers for the well-being of their community and blessed for the successful implementation of an array of activities designed in line with commemorative celebrations.
The chief celebrant of this Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration, Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, the Bishop of Galle Diocese, extended his best compliments for the long journey SCJM in Sri Lanka has traversed throughout 125 years. He wholeheartedly thanked all the past principals who gave leadership to Sacred Heart Convent School. In his sermon His Lordship recalled how the Reverend Sisters had worked tirelessly during the trying times in the past. Their patience, stoicism, love and dedication shown in coping with the trials and tribulations were overwhelming, observed His Lordship. The sermon was concluded by sending in His Lordship’s prayers and blessings for SCJM and Sacred Heart Convent School with his utmost belief that love of God will uplift the school to the pinnacle.
The Holy Mass was followed by a cake cutting ceremony marking the entry to the 125th year of glory and grandeur of Sacred Heart Convent.
Concurrent to this event were some activities being held at the school signifying this historic occasion. An assembly of thanksgiving was conducted with the minimum participation of students and a few guests conforming to the health guidelines. Some students expressed their loving thoughts wishing prosperity to their alma mater and the success story of their long journey was featured in speeches, video presentations and entertaining items. The principal of SHC in her speech thanked Almighty for bestowing blessing at this milestone on the journey of SHC. She stressed the need of perpetuating this magnificent story of love handed by their predecessors – the unconditional love and commitment going with the ideals and sacred things of the school.