JANUARY 30 to Feb. 5 is CNMI Catholic Schools Week, and this year’s national theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signed a proclamation on Wednesday at Mt. Carmel Cathedral to kick off the celebration. Joining the governor were Mount Carmel School administration, faculty, staff, and students.
The proclamation notes the history of the Catholic Church on Saipan, and the establishment of the Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center, formerly the Our Lady of Mercy Kindergarten, in 1951 and Mount Carmel School a year later.
After Typhoon Jean struck in 1968, Father Arnold Bendowski and the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz rebuilt Mount Carmel School.
The school was rebuilt again, 50 years later, after Super Typhoon Yutu struck the Marianas.
The governor acknowledged the Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center and Mount Carmel School for providing outstanding education to their students and contributing to the welfare of the CNMI.
“Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center and Mount Carmel School train and produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character and moral development,” he said.
He added that the schools “are committed to providing a safe, structured and caring learning environment dedicated to developing each student’s God-given potential.”
“The Mount Carmel School and Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center family continues to persist with resilience, guided by the mantra: with faith in God, hope for a better tomorrow, and love for each other, we are knight strong. We are Marianas strong,” the governor said.
According to the proclamation, Catholic schools have a specific purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor and enrich society with the influence of the Gospel and by example of faith.
In signing the proclamation, the governor said he also recognizes the sacrifices of the parents who chose and continue to choose to send their children to Catholic schools, and likewise acknowledged the outstanding commitment of the teachers, administrators, and other personnel who provide excellent education in the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
“I urge the faithful of the diocese to participate in observance of this week in appropriate ways that will help instill an awareness and appreciation of the values that Catholic education cultivates in our children, which enhance the quality of life for all our people,” he said.
For more information on National Catholic Schools Week, visit https://www.ncea.org/csw/Home_Page/CSW/Catholic_Schools_Week.aspx
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses with a photo with Mount Carmel School acting President Frances Taimanao, MCS Vice Principal Filmah Buenaflor, MCS Board Chairman Vicente Babauta, and MCS students after signing a proclamation designating Jan. 30 – Feb. 5, 2022 as Catholic Schools Week at the Mount Carmel Cathedral on Wednesday.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation designating Jan. 30 – Feb. 5, 2022 as Catholic Schools Week at the Mount Carmel Cathedral on Wednesday.
