During the course of the last twelve months the Presentation Brothers’ College (PBC) celebrated a series of planned activities in observance of the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the school in Grenada.

The year’s activities climaxed on Wednesday, November 21, with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, under the theme Celebrating 60 years of achievement and preparing to face the challenges of the next decade at the Blessed Sacrament church in Grand Anse.

His Lordship Vincent Darius OP was the main celebrant, along with clergy who interrupted their week’s retreat. Sir Daniel Williams, Governor General, Acting Prime Minister Gregory Bowen – a former student of PBC, Sen Brenda Hood, MP Hon Glynis Roberts, former Prime Minister and former student George Brizan were among the many officials present.

Also in the congregation were retired Presentation Brothers, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny who themselves climaxed their 200th anniversary last week, other Religious Sisters and many former PBC students of varying ages.

Moderator for the afternoon, Hugh Dolland, quoted from the school song in urging the present students to take up the challenge, continue with the struggle and aim to do better than their predecessors.

He told the boys that the sky is the limit and he singled out Bro Matthias, his former teacher, for special commendation as a dedicated individual in the cause of education.

Bishop Darius referred to the 60 years by PBC in the field of education in Grenada as evidence that the Church has always been at the forefront of education and still has a contribution to make even to this day.

He said that the Church must have an input in curriculum development; that the Church must teach faith-based knowledge of God and not simply comparative religion. The Bishop reminded that the nation is based on the supremacy of God as stated in the National Anthem.

Focussing on the “challenge” aspect of the theme, His Lordship identified secularism as one of the greatest current challenges. However, he exhorted his listeners that they should not be afraid of challenges but see challenges as opportunities and focus on the opportunities.

Part of the congregation at Presentation Brothers' 60th anniversary Mass

He said that challenges are only for a time but victory comes at the end. With very consoling words, the Bishop advised that whether challenges come from within or without, “we shall survive”.

Bishop Darius appealed for support to the school and to the Brothers as he advised to journey with them. “Do not be afraid to give God a chance,” he said.

“We want to see a nation of young men growing up in the fear of God, with Christian principles and not only the academics”. He related stories relevant to the need to stop and admire the beauty of nature; this is one way of keeping in close contact with God.

Towards the end of the ceremony, the Moderator invited Bro Robert to the lectern to announce the names of deceased Presentation Brothers who taught at the college, following which Bro Matthias come forward to lay a wreath at the foot of the altar to honour the departed Brothers. 

A significant feature of the afternoon’s celebration was the launch of the College’s website. In introducing the launch, Principal Dominic Jeremiah said that the idea was conceived about eighteen months ago.

He explained that the website is not only for providing information about PBC but also as an educational tool like homework assignments and other academics.

He said that the desire is for PBC to be on the “cutting edge of technology”, and he thanked a number of groups and individuals, particularly the New York group of the Past Students, who provided the server among other things. Bishop Darius performed the official act in “turning on the switch”. The website is pbcgrenada.org

Chairman of the Organising Committee for the year of activities, Alvin Clouden, finally expressed gratitude to all who were responsible for the afternoon’s function and for the entire year of celebrations, including the media for helping to spread the news.
(Catholic Focus)

Presentation's early years

The first Presentation Brothers: Dunstan Curtin and Gregory Sheehan, arrived in Grenada in November 1946 and the College was opened on January 21, 1947 with three classes: Forms I, II and III.

The first student registered was Carlyle Mitchell, son of Mr and Mrs Rupert Mitchell of Green Street, St George’s. Dr Carlyle Mitchell was the economic advisor to the NDC government and he is currently based in Canada.

It is interesting to note that, in the 60-year history of PBC, Dominic Jeremiah is the first layman to hold the position of principal and it is the first time that the College does not have a Presentation Brother on the teaching staff.