Kurseong – A girls’ school in Kurseong marked 125 years of its founding with a decision to close down the boarding and instead spent the energies of religious Sisters in rural areas where education ministry is urgently needed.

To the astonishment of priests, religious and heads of institutions gathered for the concluding event, Kolkata Provincial of the Daughters of the Cross (FC) Sr Regina announced her Council’s decision of the provincial council to close 125 year old boarding of St Helen’s Secondary School established in 1890.

“We have taken a pledge to move to rural areas where our assistance in education ministry is more urgent,” said Sr Regina explaining her council’s decision.

Using the thoughts of Pope Francis, Sr Regina reflected on St Helen’s 125 years of service to the hills saying, “Look to the past with gratitude, live the present with passion, and embrace the future with hope.”

Citing the heroic and arduous task of the pioneer Sisters who came from France, Belgium and England to set up educational institution in 1890, Sr Regina said, “it took the Sisters three days to reach Kurseong from Siliguri by bullock cart and they had no means of communication with their home nor with superiors.”

She further explained saying, “today we are challenged to have that kind of passion to reach to the rural areas, where our help is most needed.”

As a fitting finale to the celebrations some 90 plus children of primary school (classes 1, 2 & 3) presented the life story ‘A Beacon of Love and Service” based on the life of foundress of the Daughters of the Cross (FC) Blessed Mother Marie Therese.

It was co-produced by Srs Rose and Pranita, and directed by Miss Ruth Gooneratna along with music director Mr Raju Sundas.

Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling presided over the closing ceremony of the year-long celebrations which started on October 2, 2015 and concluded on September 24, 2016 with a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by felicitation programme.

Commenting on the performance of the children Bishop Lepcha said, “Little children made blessed Marie Therese come alive here.”

Bishop Lepcha also complimented the Sisters “for the support given to the local girls over the years and hoped that the play-let on the life of the foundress inspires many girls from the hills to join the Sisters and carry forward their mission to the rural people.”

The Foundation stone of St. Helen’s Secondary Boarding School was laid in April, 1890.

The School began with 12 boarders on April 15, 1890 and chose patroness St. Helen, a British Princess, mother of the Great Constantine; and discoverer of Cross of Christ.

The motto of the school is ‘Dieu et mon devoir’ ie. God and my duty.