Spiritual Focus at
St. Joseph's College
Spiritual Development
The cultivation and preservation of Catholic faith, values, and ethics among students are deeply rooted in the tradition of St. Joseph’s College. As a leading Catholic institution in Sri Lanka, this commitment has been integral since its inception in 1896, under the guidance of the Most Rev. Dr. Christopher Earnest Bonjean. Guided by a team of seven dedicated priests, St. Joseph’s College has embraced the mission of instilling profound human values in its students, guiding them toward a spiritual connection with God.
A significant and noteworthy aspect of the school’s curriculum and extracurricular activities is its emphasis on the liturgical dimension. Various facets within the school exemplify our unwavering expression of Catholic faith. Below, we highlight a selection of the liturgical celebrations that are observed annually within the school:
Moreover, the Holy Eucharist finds itself reverently commemorated twice daily within the hallowed confines of our institution. The first of these sacred ceremonies takes place at the early hour of 7.00 a.m., heralding the start of the school day, while the second is observed at 10.30 a.m., coinciding with the midday interlude, and garners the devout presence of a considerable assembly of both pedagogues and scholars.
A paramount tradition of spiritual significance is the inauguration of each academic term, whereby the entire student body actively partakes in a Holy Mass, underscoring the profound commitment to the spiritual well-being of our academic community. This liturgical calendar further encompasses an array of ceremonies and services, ranging from a dedicated prayer service welcoming the fledgling grade one students and their parents on their inaugural school day, to the spiritual retreat organized for the confirmands, the veneration of the Virgin Mary with novenas held throughout the entirety of May, the benediction service held punctually every first Friday of the month, and special blessings offered to students bracing for Scholarship, Ordinary level, and Advanced level examinations.
Within this sacred enclave of learning, the amalgamation of diverse religious experiences fosters a climate where Catholic culture and tradition are held in deep reverence, concurrently encouraging the utmost respect for the practices and beliefs of all faiths. In our capacity as a Catholic institution, we steadfastly embolden our students to embark on an unceasing quest for a profound understanding of their faith, transcending superficial bounds, and ardently endeavor to provide a spiritually enriching and equitable journey. Our ultimate aspiration is to guide them in consciously dwelling in their Catholic faith, forging a closer connection with the Divine.
Moreover, the Holy Eucharist finds itself reverently commemorated twice daily within the hallowed confines of our institution. The first of these sacred ceremonies takes place at the early hour of 7.00 a.m., heralding the start of the school day, while the second is observed at 10.30 a.m., coinciding with the midday interlude, and garners the devout presence of a considerable assembly of both pedagogues and scholars.
A paramount tradition of spiritual significance is the inauguration of each academic term, whereby the entire student body actively partakes in a Holy Mass, underscoring the profound commitment to the spiritual well-being of our academic community. This liturgical calendar further encompasses an array of ceremonies and services, ranging from a dedicated prayer service welcoming the fledgling grade one students and their parents on their inaugural school day, to the spiritual retreat organized for the confirmands, the veneration of the Virgin Mary with novenas held throughout the entirety of May, the benediction service held punctually every first Friday of the month, and special blessings offered to students bracing for Scholarship, Ordinary level, and Advanced level examinations.
Within this sacred enclave of learning, the amalgamation of diverse religious experiences fosters a climate where Catholic culture and tradition are held in deep reverence, concurrently encouraging the utmost respect for the practices and beliefs of all faiths. In our capacity as a Catholic institution, we steadfastly embolden our students to embark on an unceasing quest for a profound understanding of their faith, transcending superficial bounds, and ardently endeavor to provide a spiritually enriching and equitable journey. Our ultimate aspiration is to guide them in consciously dwelling in their Catholic faith, forging a closer connection with the Divine.
