125 Years together and forever..
Sacred Heart Convent, one of the leading girls’ schools in Galle, celebrated the Quasquicentennial on 24th November 2021 with pomp and dignity in the presence of most respected religious personalities.
It was on 24th November 1896 five Reverend Sisters from Belgium disembarked on Sri Lankan shores in order to begin the mission of enlightening the young ladies of this blessed island. On the invitation of Mgr. Joseph Van Reeth, the first Bishop of Galle Diocese, these pioneering Sisters laid foundation to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival, their first mission on the same day was founding Sacred Heart Convent School. One of those pioneering Reverend Sisters, Rev. Sr. William Brennan became the first principal of the school. Thus, the school’s history goes hand in hand with the inauguration of SCJM in Sri Lanka.
It is a religious institute of pontifical right governed by the motto ‘Deus Caritas est’ – God is Love – consisting of nearly 150 Reverend Sisters in the island. They take much pride in completing 125 years of great service in diverse fields.
Founded as a private Catholic school on 24th November 1896, Sacred Heart Convent was handed over to the state in 1978. Presently, the school imparts quality education to 2300 girls moulding their character with the highest standards of discipline, empathy and moral rectitude in line with her motto ‘One Heart One Soul’.
Being a multi – religious and multi-cultural school, Sacred Heart Convent has created ample opportunities for children to shape up their lives by engaging in numerous extra-curricular activities in this milieu of diversity.
Today at this epoch making time when she celebrates the Quasquicentennial, Sacred Heart Convent wields her prowess as a citadel safeguarding the treasured legacy bequeathed by the founders.
The commemorative celebration of 125 years of magnificent existence was held on the 24th November with Very Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam, Vicar General of Galle Diocese, attending as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour to this solemn occasion were Rev. Sr.Ajitha Fernando, Mother Provincial, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and Dr. W.W. Gamage, Hon. Governor – Southern Province.
Conforming to the health guidelines, the number of participants to this occasion had to be limited.
However, the glory and grandeur of this momentous occasion was sustained with many events paying tribute to the founders of the school. The event was live streamed through social media facilitating all students to watch it in their class rooms and for the Heartian community world over.
The celebrations started with the incumbent principal Rev. Sr. Sandya Fernando welcoming the distinguished gathering and paying gratitude to all who have toiled to raise the school to its present state.
She added her thoughtful prayers to every stakeholder of the Heartian community in the present and the past for their indefatigable commitment during this arduous journey to perfection.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the pioneering Sisters, past principals, deputy principals, teachers, students and well-wishers of the school who rendered an invaluable service during the past 125 years.
Adding much glamour to the occasion was the cutting of the Quasquicentennial cake sending best wishes to this most hallowed institute. It was heartening to witness young Heartians from Grade one to thirteen belonging to four houses Nazareth, Caritas, King’s Own and Queen’s Own sending their warmest wishes to the Alma Mater in gratitude.
The insightful speech delivered by the Chief Guest, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam emphasised the role played by the schools with Catholic origin in creating a disciplined and civic conscious nation. He stressed the need for other schools to follow suit in a bid to fulfil a dire need of the day and further elaborated why we should celebrate commemorative events.
The audience was also addressed by Rev. Sr. Ajitha Fernando, Mother Superior of Sacred Heart Convent, Rev. Sr. Malkanthi Fernando and the Hon. Governor of Southern Province extending their congratulatory messages to the commemorative celebrations.
Another significant event taking place coinciding the quasquicentennial celebrations was the issuance of a new postage stamp and first day cover to commemorate this remarkable achievement. This event sponsored by the Past Pupils’ Association was one of the highlights of the day with the presence of officials from the Department of Posts.
The theme of the quasquicentennial ‘125 Years Together and Forever’ manifested itself with everyone extending solidarity pledging to perpetuate this legacy for thousands to set foot on this blessed precincts.
As a part of the programme, 125 needy children were gifted with a package of essentials sponsored by the charitable past pupils of the school.
The Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration in praise of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and Sacred Heart Convent School was conducted on 27th November. The Chief Celebrant of this occasion was His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka. Since it was the first visit of the incumbent Papal Ambassador to the Southern Province, the Galle Diocese accorded him a diplomatic reception towards the Cathedral.
The Apostolic Nuncio in his address made reference to the Gospel enunciating the importance of spiritually attaching to the Holy Spirit with the Biblical saying “I am the vine you are the branches”. Good branches are attached to the good vine and produce good fruits. Just as the branch is to the vine, the disciples of Jesus should produce fruits like love, justice, honesty and tolerance, he further observed.
The Apostolic Nuncio lauded the SCJM and Sacred Heart Convent School for the pastoral and charitable work they deliver such as care for the elders, attending to differently abled children etc. He congratulated the SCJM that has produced much fruit as the branch attached to the vine and wished them strength to forge ahead with abundant grace of God.
The Papal Ambassador then read out a congratulatory message by Pope Francis who had sent his thoughtful wishes for the Quasquicentennial Celebrations of Sacred Heart Convent which would be recorded indelibly in the annals of school history.
This solemn occasion was attended by the Bishop of Galle Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, Vicar General of Galle Diocese Very Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam and many other Reverend Fathers and Reverend Sisters.
And thus the culmination of Quasquicentennial Celebrations of Sacred Heart Convent was announced with warmest and heartiest wishes of everyone for this sacred abode to continue their epic journey of 125 years by transmitting the legacy of her founders into a visionary future.
Asela Kankanamge
Academic Staff
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