Xing Wu
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Students at St Joseph’s School led by their principal Aporo Purua, left, entertain guests and their classmates during the school’s 125th anniversary celebrations yesterday. AL WILLIAMS / 21071525
Several hundred people converged on Saint-Joseph Cathedral on Thursday to honor the 125th anniversary of Saint-Joseph Catholic Primary School.
Over 150 students and staff braved the rain and walked in song along St Joseph’s Rd to join the congregation for Holy Mass.
They were joined by alumni, parents and guests, before welcoming VIP guests including Prime Minister Mark Brown, Queen’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, Minister of Culture George “Maggie” Angene and Minister of Vain Education “Mac” Mokoroa.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Paul Donoghue said: “We have 125 years to express our gratitude for all that has been accomplished, there have been failures along the way, there have been times when people suffered in St Joseph and there were times when we could have done things differently.
He said the first sisters arrived in Rarotonga on July 14, 1895 and took three weeks to establish the school.
“I hope you will never forget the name of your school. God’s will is for you to be good students.
PM Brown told the congregation that he attended kindergarten at St. Joseph’s.
“I must have been a good boy because I remember getting coconut and caramel treats from the sisters,” Brown said.
“Since its founding, St Joseph’s has been dedicated to service, to building our nation. St Joseph’s is rich in culture, Catholic identity and spiritual ties.
Brown gave special mention to current and former teachers.
“Today it is your contribution, doing the holy will of God in teaching is a noble undertaking. Your government remains proud of you, St Joseph’s School, you hold a special place in the educational fabric of the Cook Islands.
The mass was followed by an official welcome at the school, led by Principal Savenaca Tukitoba who greeted the students of yesterday and today, including those of other faiths.
He thanked the sisters, saying that 54 had served in the school over its 125-year history.
“Without our devoted nuns, there is no Saint Joseph, for me it is up to the sisters to do the holy will of God.
The speeches were followed by the cutout of a 125e birthday cake, plaque unveiling, classroom presentations and classroom exhibits tracing the history of the school.
The celebration then culminated with dancing, drumming, a cultural performance and a shared lunch.
Tukitoba said he was worried about expenses to cover the cost of the celebrations, so he spoke with the bishop and the parent-teacher association.
From this meeting was born the idea of a radiothon which raised more than $ 8,000 last Friday for the school’s anniversary celebrations.
“My point is that prayer and belief have been exemplified in our school.
TOMORROW: The 125-year journey in pictures
