PHILIPSBURG--Sections of Philipsburg were transformed into a sea of colours on Tuesday, as scores of pupils from the seven catholic schools marched through town in observance of Catholic Education Week which began on Monday.
The march was preceded by Mass held at the L. B. Scot Sports Auditorium. The service featured a liturgical performance by some pupils and a word of welcome by President of the Catholic School Board Dr. Marlon Halley. The celebrants were Father Miguel and Father Robert "Bob" Thomas.
At one point during the Homily, Father Bob called up a student to ride a bike. Father Bob spoke about the importance of energy saving, acts of kindness and caring for others. He also spoke about respecting others and discouraged children against practices such as name calling and making fun of someone who trips and falls.
In brief remarks Dr. Halley urged pupils to grasp the messages being conveyed to them during this week and to apply what they have learnt.
Under this year's theme "Seven Corporal Works of Mercy" each Catholic school represented a sub-theme and this was depicted in the parade that followed. St. Joseph School focussed on 'feed the hungry'; Sister Regina School on 'give drink to the thirsty'; Sister Borgia School on 'clothe the naked'; Sister Magda School on 'shelter the homeless'; Sister Marie Laurence School on 'visit the sick'; St. Dominic Primary on 'visit the imprisoned' and St. Dominic High on 'bury the dead'.
Pupils marched from the Sports Auditorium to Wilhelmina Straat (next to the Philipsburg Court House), into Front Street, then to St. Maarten Festival Village. They were escorted by, among others, teachers and parents.
Catholic Education Week will continue with lessons on the "Seven Corporal Works of Mercy" at each school today, Wednesday. On Thursday during an 'open house', students will present what they have learnt during the week to their peers and invited guests. On Friday, a 'teachers' formation day' will be held at the Parish Hall in Philipsburg.
Catholic Education Week is geared towards promoting the identity and celebrating the unity among catholic schools. It is also intended to display the fruits the Catholic schools are bearing, celebrating more than 120 years of Catholic education in St. Maarten and celebrating the schools' contribution to society.
