The very first Annual of St. Michaels College was published in 1914. I say this with confidence because I am one of the few who possess a photocopy of the Annual which in its contents has chapter v dedicated to Prize distribution 1914. Another very historical importance is the article it carries in Chaprer X1. It is titled “Our Infant Department”. Authored by S. Mylvaganam, Trained Teacher. Mattakkallappar will easily identify who this great reverend Swami is! It is his very first published article and his entry into the reputed history of Mattakkalappu. I would like to share with you particularly in these days before our Association celebrates its 25th years in Canada, what the Editor of the Annual wrote on its fist pages. The Editor introduces the Annual as follows: “BEHOLD the first Annual of St. Michael’s College! We dedicate it first to God who, through his infinite goodness, has brought the College to its present flourishing state;- Saint Michael, our dear Patron, who has fought with us for good and right;-to the memory of the Late Bishop Chas Lavigne, the Late Reverend Fathers G. Royer, H. d’ Aras, J. Queste S. J and the Late Brother Jules- Laurent, who all took so great part and interest in the development of the College;- to the population of Baticaloa and of the Eastern Province at large, who, by sending their children more and more to St. Michael’s, show how far they justly appreciate the education therein imparted;- to our benefactor, here or abroad, through whose generosity or prayers we have been able to carry out our enterprise;- to the workers of the first hour, teachers or pupils, whose name are not given here for the sake of their modesty, but who has infused into the soul of the College the vivid spirit of work and discipline that is truly characteristic of it;- finally, we dedicate it to the present Professors and students, who more lucky than their predecessors, enjoy, with the benefit of a higher education, the pleasure of spacious class-rooms, large play grounds, electric light and all the comfort suitable to a College in this or any other country. And now, go ye, little book of St. Michael to all our friends and well wishers and through your bright pages tell them that the Jesuit Fathers of the twentieth century, following the foot-steps of their confreres of the 17th century in Ceylon, are ready to undertake at Batticaloa, for the greater glory of God the same educational work, for the benefit of youth, applying the same method that have proved of efficacious in old times and are still so successful in all parts of the world. God Bless St. Michael’s College!
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:50:22 +0000
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