DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Description:
Loreto Convent School, Delhi Cantt, held a grand Opening Ceremony to mark the beginning of the year-long celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee on Saturday, 20 January 2024, at the Mary Ward Auditorium. The event was graced by Mr. Raymond Mullen, Charge d’ Affaires of the Irish Consulate, Sr. Sabrina Edwards, the Province Leader of South Asia, Sr. Anitha Sahai, Provincial Consultor, and the Provincial Leadership Team from Kolkata, CJ Sisters, Christian Brothers and Patrician Brothers – principals of various schools, who were all welcomed with a culturally significant ‘tilak’ at the entrance. The aisle was lined by students of Classes V to VII dressed in the attire of various states of India.
The Opening Ceremony started with a solemn prayer service, with a prayer dance recital by 60 students to mark the sixty years of Loreto Delhi, and lighting of the ceremonial lamp. It was at this juncture that the chief guest, Mr. Raymond Mullen presented the school with a memento from H. E. Kevin Kelly, the Ambassador of Ireland to India on behalf of the Government of Ireland. As India is a country with diverse cultures and faiths, scriptures from various religious texts were read, promoting the values to be imbibed from all. Intercessory prayers sought the Almighty’s blessings for all those who were present and for those who have been a part of the journey. The Jubilee Logo with the theme, Adamas: Evince & Evolve, was released by the chief guest and it was simultaneously released on the school website. It was also announced that the Jubilee Logo was designed by the students of Class IX B Ward House and Class VIII A Hart House. This was followed by the cutting of the ceremonial cake. All the guests of honour were then felicitated with Jubilee mementoes. The Diamond Jubilee Anthem, written by Joanna Shajan of Class IX C, was presented for the first time in the Opening Ceremony. The Legacy Reel shown was a collection of moments captured in time through the sixty years of Loreto Delhi and also included short videos of alumnae who recounted the good old days in tents. The thematic dance drama, ‘The Giving Tree’ encapsulated the motto of Loreto, ‘Receive that you may give’. The students of Junior School presented a dance to the song ‘If you believe’.
The chief guest, Mr. Raymond Mullen, lauded the school and the leadership for being dynamic champions of the education of girls and averred that he looks forward to fostering relations between India and Ireland. The Province Leader, Sr. Sabrina Edwards congratulated Loreto Delhi for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. In the Vote of Thanks, the principal, Mrs. Alice Rose D’ Lima thanked all the guests for making time to attend and partake in the celebrations. She also thanked the students, the parents all the teaching and non-teaching staff, and the coordinators for their diligence and support. She also thanked the Community Leader, Sr. Igora Pinto for being the constant guide during all the preparations. The ceremony ended with the Loreto Chorus.
The fellowship continued with a group photograph of the guests, staff and students in the shape of the number 60, to mark the Diamond Jubilee, and thereafter in the Hart Hall with refreshments and presentation of the Jubilee memorabilia. At the end, the guests recorded their appreciation in the Visitors’ Book.