A story of excellence in education and values

Fruits of Virtue and of Knowledge,
Here we gather , Peace and Power………………….

An inexplicable joy fills my heart in penning down thoughts on the ‘Hall of Fame’ educational institute in our motherland St.Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. This educational institute, which was founded on March 2, 1896, has excelled and produced multi-talented Josephians who have done well in education, sports,  spiritual life, community service and serving the motherland and the universe at large. The motto of the college has always been to uphold excellence in body, mind and spirit. The school gives priority to value-based education, thus fostering spiritual and human values.

The architect behind the founding of the school was the Most Reverend Dr.Christophe- Etienne Bonjean, the first  Archbishop of Colombo. No event at. St.Joseph’s’ College is complete without a reference to Archbishop Christophe-Etienne Bonjean because he was instrumental in launching the ideal of the need for a Catholic College. He did not live to see his dream being realised. However he had appointed to oversee the project men who read his mind and understood his plan. They were individuals who were capable of implementing his plan. They were Reverend Fathers Charles Collin and Charles Lytton. Subsequently they became the first and the second Rectors of St.Joseph’s College respectively. Since then the school has become  a much talked about educational institution.  

We can best pay our debt to our Alma Mater by building a better future for the new generations on the framework our forebears established

The motto of St.Joseph’s College is “In Scientia et Virtute” when translated into English reads ‘In  Knowledge and Virtue’. The aims of the founder were not only to impart knowledge, but also to help the young Josephians to grow in virtue and to bring out and develop their God–given talents. The College also encourages a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic  and multi-linguistic environment which  is the need of the hour in this country. 

Vision of Rev. Fr. Stanley Abeysekera
“Values give direction to our behaviour and give meaning to our existence. The values we hold necessarily blossom forth into action and shape our lives. Education forms, develops  and re-shapes values. By the teaching of the national traditions, cultural heritage and civic sense in the classroom situation, children learn how values are shaped. When the student learns to be obedient, diligent and conscientious, there is a genuine growth of values.

Through curricular and co-curricular activities the school must positively promote values. In the higher forms; through the literary associations, ’interact’ clubs and other societies, a democratic milieu must be fostered  by group discussions and critical evaluation of facts. The school must not only concern itself with a creative extension of knowledge, but be engaged in total development of Personality”. These words were part of a speech made by  the Late Rev. Fr. Bernard Stanley Abeysekera, the former Rector of St. Joseph’s College,  in 1985.  

It is recorded that during its glorious existence of 125 years the school has imparted education in its broad sense thus producing a galaxy of Josephians who are a pride to our beloved Sri Lanka. 

We are at a pivotal point in the rich history of St. Joseph’s. We are greatly indebted to all our distinguished past Reverend Father Rectors and the Present Rector, Reverend Father Ranjit Andradi, the Reverend Fathers, Reverend Sisters and respected Teachers past and the present who have dedicated  their lives in moulding us as good citizens, by inspiring and guiding us for what we are today, besides the formation of character.

We can best pay our debt to our Alma Mater by building a better future for the new generations on the framework our forebears established.

Let us get together and strive to build a better nation with “Vision and Action”.

May St.Joseph’s College, which has maintained the highest standards in education, sports, discipline and character building for 125 years, go forward from strength to strength for many more centuries.

May this Citadel of Educational Institution for Wisdom and Mastery, continue to be the tower of strength and a guiding  star to the Josephians  and render its relentless service to many more generations to come, till the mountains disappear .  

“ St.Joseph dear, who never fails to aid us in every needy hour, we praise and thank thee”.

(The writer was the former Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Blue and White Newsletter Committee (1999/2000), An Editorial Board Member of the Blue and White Centenary &Millennium Magazine Committee of St.Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, Old Boys’ Union, and a  Former Member of the Associationof “Josephian Blues” and the Founder President of Josephian 
Group of ’88).