Catholic schools must remain grounded in the Church's traditions, says the archbishop.

At a Mass to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of Fatima College, Archbishop Edward Gilbert stressed the need for Catholic school administrators to face the educational challenges of today by remaining committed to Catholic "witness and service".

The Mass, held in the college courtyard in Mucuraapo, Tuesday, December 6, was attended by students, parents, teachers, religious, alumni and former principals Clive Pantin and Mervyn Moore.

Fourteen other priests concelebrated, including Holy Ghost Superior Fr Herbert Charles, former Fatima students Frs Gregory Augustine,

Derek Anton, Jason Gordon, Robert Llanos and Rudy Mohammed, as well as Fr Andrew Cockburn, who was a member of the original teaching faculty in 1945 when the institution was known as St Theresa's Intermediate RC School.

Vice Principal Annie Gomes-Phillips, in opening remarks, said the Mass was to thank all who, since 1945 to the present, have "contributed to the growth, development and building up of Fatima ".

Principal Anthony Garcia did the first reading, while Fr John Theodore proclaimed the gospel.

Archbishop Gilbert began his homily by describing the occasion as a “time of challenges, but also a time of rejoicing and gratitude”. He thanked the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans) for their “foresight and missionary zeal” in starting the college, which has contributed not only to the archdiocese but the region.

Enjoying a 60 th Anniversary reunion are from left, Walton Edinborough, 73, Fr Andrew Coburn, 79 and former national cyclist/coach Ian “Turkey” Nivet, 76. Fr Cockburn was a member of the original teaching faculty. Edinborough and Nivet were two of the school's first students.

Citing the congregation's decision to introduce a lay administration in the 1970's, The archbishop said this was significant as it set a precedent and demonstrated to other religious orders that such a system could work.

He urged the college administration to adapt to the challenges they face so as to fulfil their mission of quality education.

He explained that in every vocation -- be it married life, single life, religious life or the priesthood -- what was required was for the individual to continue “working at it”. And so too Catholic school administrators must continue their work based on the Catholic tradition, he added.

"Don't take it for granted," The archbishop advised. He said this was important as their role was to lead people out of oppression and prepare their students to be leaders in society.

He said that by next February, the archdiocese would begin acting on the Synod mandate to reclaim the Catholic school system.

After communion, Archbishop Gilbert led a moment's silence for his predecessor, Archbishop Anthony Pantin, who taught at the school and wrote the school song.

Garcia delivered a vote of thanks and invited all to visit the nearby auditorium where an exhibition was mounted.

Highlights of the exhibition are a photographic display of the college over the years, and some paraphernalia of celebrated alumni -- premier West Indies batsman Brian Lara and Olympic sprinter Ato Boldon.

Fatima Old Boys' Association hosted a dinner at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, last Thursday as part of the celebration.