MANILA, Nov. 5, 2012—The Paco Catholic School founded by the Belgian Scheut Missionaries popularly known as the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) or the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrating its 100 years anniversary of foundation from November 5-10, 2012.
“From a humble chapel in Peñafrancia in Paco, Manila, that was its first home to about 50 students in 1912, the school has grown by leaps and bounds that, a hundred years later, it has more than 5,000 students housed in a campus of several buildings. It is an honor that not many schools have the chance to celebrate,” said Msgr. Rolando Dela Cruz, the school director.
Dela Cruz is thankful on the efforts of Fr. Raymond Esquinet, CICM, Fr. Godofredo Aldenhuijsen, CICM, and other CICM Missionaries, to the able support of the ICM Sisters, to the dedicated and talented school faculty and personnel, and to the countless parents who wanted the best Christian education for their children, Paco Catholic School is now what it is today.
“It is also the pride of the school that it has produced alumni who are not only successful in their chosen profession, but are the embodiment of true Paconians in their vision and values, principles and lifestyle. Noblesse Oblige is not simply a slogan to you; it is your roadmap, your compass, and your goal,” he said.
The celebration was launched today, November 5 at the school grounds through a community mass at 6:30 and followed by the centennial grand launching with a street party and concert.
A centennial caravan within Paco vicinity will take place tomorrow with some other activities such as the opening of rides and booths, PCS history musical production, the ultimate Paconian challenge, the opening of 100 photos and sulyap and a magic show, among others.
On Wednesday, field demonstration will be held at the school grounds followed by the PCS history musical production part 2 and the PCS dance idol, the grand showdown.
The highlight of the celebration is the centennial Thanksgiving Mass on November 8, to be celebrated by the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal-designate Luis Antonio Tagle, at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church.
A wreath laying ceremony will be done at Fr. Godofredo’s Bust, the founder of PCS. There will also be a distinguished alumni awards and the centennial dinner with Novaliches Emeritus-Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. who will give an inspirational talk.
Activities such as the X-factor PCS and the battle of the bands together with the cosplay convention will take place on November 8. The centennial week closing ceremonies, also on November 8 will feature a grand concert and candle lighting ceremonies.
To culminate the week-long centennial celebration, a centennial walk will be held from Paco’s Our Lady of Peñafrancia de Manila Parish to Paco Catholic School and an alumni night on November 10. (Jandel Posion/CBCPNews)
