St. Clare's School Centenary Thanksgiving Mass: Celebrating a Century of Divine Grace, Faith, and Excellence
Founded in 1927 by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels, St. Clare’s School (comprising St. Clare’s Girls’ School, St. Clare’s Primary School, and Kindergarten) proudly celebrates 100 years of educational excellence and spiritual guidance steered by our school motto, "Veritas Vincit" (Truth Conquers).
To mark this momentous milestone, the school held its grand Centenary Thanksgiving Mass on September 18 at the majestic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Solemnly officiated by His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, alongside eight concelebrating priests, this sacred liturgy brought together a joyful assembly of distinguished guests, school managers, donors, former principals, vice-principals, alumni, parents, and teacher-student representatives across secondary, primary, and kindergarten divisions. Together, the entire St. Clare community united in heart and spirit to give thanks for a century of God’s overflowing blessings, love, and protection.
Theme: "A Century of Faith, A Future of Hope" (信澤百年聖，望航千里光)
In his uplifting homily, Cardinal Chow guided the congregation through a reflective journey across St. Clare’s
rich 100-year history. Tracing the school’s physical humble origins in Kowloon, through its moves on Hong
Kong Island, to its iconic mountainside home on Mount Davis—he highlighted how every campus transition
stands as a vivid testament to God's unfailing grace and guidance.
Encouraging the school community to be beacons of light in a challenging modern world, Cardinal Chow
remarked:
"We ourselves may not be the light, but we can point out where the light
is, allowing others to see hope."
Empowering "Modern Women" for a New Era
Addressing the youth and students in attendance, Cardinal Chow shared an empowering message on
navigating modern societal challenges. He urged young Clarians to transcend worldly stereotypes, discover
their unique lifepaths, and transform into Modern Women defined by three essential pillars:
• Wisdom: Embracing empathy, spreading unconditional love, discerning truth from falsehood, and
relentlessly pursuing what is true, good, and beautiful.
• Courage: Possessing the moral fortitude to live out one's convictions—even when it requires
sacrifice—while maintaining an inner peace amid life's everyday routine.
• Social Concern: Championing justice, preserving the dignity of humanity and creation, and showing
genuine compassion toward every individual around us.
He emphasized that women of the new era must not let the world define them; rather, they should remain
firm in their beliefs, understand their life’s deepest aspirations, and boldly create their own extraordinary
journeys.
Reverent Offerings and Unifying Prayers
Throughout the solemn Eucharistic celebration, student and teacher representatives from both secondary
and primary sections reverently presented the offertory gifts at the altar. Joined in voice and faith, the entire
congregation sang hymns of praise and lifted fervent prayers for the Holy Church, the Sponsoring Body, the
school, students, our motherland, and society as a whole.
Launching a New Century of Promise
Immediately following the Mass, the community gathered for the official St. Clare’s School Centenary Kickoff
Ceremony.
Delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks, Ms. Shirley Wong, Supervisor of St. Clare’s Girls’ School, reminded all
Clarians to continuously live out the four cardinal virtues. She expressed deep gratitude to the all school
managers, donors, former principals, vice-principals, PTA members, and alumni for their unwavering support
in making this celebration unforgettable.
With the ceremonial launch, the series of year-long Centenary Celebration activities was officially
inaugurated! Honor the past, celebrate the present, and step boldly into a brilliant new century—Happy
100th Anniversary, St. Clare’s School!
