Year 2021 is historic for both St. Mary’s College, Negombo, and its affiliate the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). It marks the unique feat of attaining 150 years and 100 years in service, respectively. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the past achievements of these great institutions as well as to introspect on the preparations to meet the challenges that lie ahead. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime moment that all Maryites have been waiting for, which has finally dawned.
St. Mary’s English Boys’ School had its early humble beginning as a grant-in-aid-school when Rev. Monsignor John Vistarini, the Missionary Priest of St. Mary’s Church- Grand Street, started it in the Mission House in 1871 for the benefit of the children of the Grand Street Mission. Later it became St. Mary’s English Boys’ High School in a new building behind the Mission House in 1872. Rev. Fr. Vistarini was a great visionary with a flair for preaching, education and social work. It was his passion for great humanitarian service that drove him to model the school as a provider of quality and affordable education.
Throughout early history, St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s College were administered by the Priest in charge of Grand Street Mission and together has been a beacon of light guiding its children in the path of wisdom gained through knowledge, character and spirituality. These great institutions are deeply involved in helping people learn and work toward wholeness and better character.
The motto of St. Mary’s College is “VIAM SAPIENTIAE MONSTRABO TIBI”; a Latin phrase which is taken from the biblical book of Proverbs (4:11) meaning “I WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY OF WISDOM” in English.
The College has made significant strides under the management of the Catholic Church for almost a century since its beginning. Although it came under government control on 1st January 1969, the Church’s influence continued until 1981 when the Golden Era of Rectors ended. It has had a powerful and transformative impact on the students which is evident from its alumni consisting of a large number of Catholic Priests, Intellectuals, Professionals, Politicians, Businessmen, etc., who have excelled in their own chosen fields.
Although education was the primary objective of the college, it went beyond the traditional framework into areas such as leadership, discipline, spirituality, etc., in order to produce well rounded citizens. The college has a reputation of producing a large number of catholic priests, if not the highest. A shining example is Archbishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando who was called to eternal rest on the 11th April 2019. Fr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando became the youngest, at the age of 44, and the first diocesan priest to be appointed Archbishop on March 30, 1977 and since then His Grace had spearheaded and guided the Catholic flock of Sri Lanka with admiration.
Today the college is being administered by Rector, Rev. Fr. Jayantha Wickremasinghe assisted by a faculty of able and qualified staff which has brought renewed hope of re-inventing the former glory.
The Old Boys’ Association
April 1906, was a turning point in the college history when Rev. Fr. Francis Lawrence Breton joined as Director of the school. Fr. Breton took immediate steps to recruit certificated teachers with the aim of preparing the students for Cambridge Senior and Junior Examinations. Boarding facilities were provided in the upper floor of the Main Building starting from October 1906 to encourage residential learning.
In what appears to be the first step in forming the Old Boys’ Association, Rev. Fr. Breton formed a Sports Club in 1907 with the help of many old boys. This initial step gradually developed into forming the Old Boys’ Association in December 1911 with a gathering of over 60 of the Negombo elite, organised by its Vice President Mr. R.F.P. Jayatilleke and Secretary Mr. R S Dalpadado, with a call from Rev.Fr. Breton to those who have not joined to join the association.
The OBA since then has played an important complementary role which has been instrumental in many of the infrastructure development that has taken place. Besides, its role in preserving and nurturing the age old traditions and culture are highly commendable. Such cooperation is critical to the smooth functioning and progress of these institutions. In this context, the OBA’s decision to celebrate this unique moment in their history is most opportune and praiseworthy.
The devastation caused by the pandemic across the world has not deterred the OBA from celebrating this all important milestone in a relatively subdued but no less in a solemn manner.
Accordingly, the OBA has organised “Centenary Dinner” with a view to sharing our joy and accomplishment with the Maryites fraternity on 3rd of December.
Nimal Mello
Immediate Past President and Chairman of Centenary Committee
