St. Joseph's College, Allahabad

St. Joseph's College, established in 1884 by the Capuchin Friars of Ancona and Bologna, Italy, and currently under the aegis of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad, is one of the most prominent schools, not only of Allahabad but in India as well. It is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. It currently has more than 7990 male students enrolled and follows a unique and holistic approach to nurture them to their full potential. Besides curriculum, a horde of other activities and games indulge the students to hone their talents.

The motto of the College is Semper Sursum ("Always Aim high").

The current principal of the school is Fr. Rolfie D'Souza, and the current College Captain is Anahad Narain.

History

St. Joseph's College, was founded in 1884 by the Capuchin Friars of the province of Ancona & Bologna, Italy, under the management of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad. The school began with a small parochial school for the Cathedral Parish located first in a rented house. The foundation stone of the nucleus of the present building was laid by Rt. Rev. Dr. Peschi on 1 January 1884. Bishop Poli called this little school St. Joseph’s Collegiate. In 1887 it was recognized as a middle school; it was recognized as ‘European High School’ affiliated to Cambridge University. In 1907, it came directly under the Bishop & the parish priest of the Cathedral. It was handed over to the Irish Christian brothers of Nainital in 1908 & they looked after till 1916 when Bishop Gamigna took it over. With a boarding of 26 students, the total went up to 63 in 1920. Another story was put up in 1922 by Rev. Fr. Camilus, OFM Cap. The coming of the new head master in 1921 in the person of Msgr. O. Hogan who graduated from the Allahabad University & trained in Oxford, put the school on the top of academic results. This excellence was continued by his successors such as Fr. A. G. Rego & still continues to be the top school of the city. The school building was further extended with the class 7th & 8th block, Chemistry Lab block put up by Rev. Fr. Augustine between 1932-1942. In the 1960s the Class IX-X block & the junior section block was built along with a large auditorium, a gymnasium & a swimming pool by Re. Fr. Cyril E. George.

The boarding was closed in 1980 & the existing buildings were converted into biology & physics laboratories along with four class rooms. In 1983 the commerce section was added by Rev. Fr. Thomas D’Souza. Later, it was started again in 2006-2007 by Rev.Fr. Louis Mascarenhas. In 2007 a state of art Computer Lab was added followed by a toilet block in 2008. In 2009, another wing ‘Jubilee Block’ was added to the junior section with a broad staircase and an elevator by the present principal Rev. Fr. Louis Mascarenhas.


College Anthem

For St. Joseph, Our Patron, we stand
United In both head and hand.
Our Lips shall always speak of his praise
Our minds and hearts to him we raise

In praise of our college we sing
As the glad hosannas ring.
Since you have shown the way to victory
Our motto then shall always be
Semper Sursum our Alma matter,
Semper Sursum, always aim high

To St. Joseph, our patron, We pray,
Teach us to labour day by day.
Our Flagging zeal and courage renew
To keep our conv’nant ever true.

Let us unite, all Josephites,
Let us all strive for greater heights.
Love, truth and peace out guiding stars,
Will lead us on to happy hours.

Tune (As in we Stand for GOD...)

Principals

Josephest

The biggest cultural event of the college is Josephest, which is held annually at the end of October. A number of schools from the city as well as from other cities in the state participate in this cultural extravaganza. A multitude of events are organized during this 2 day fest, ranging from literary, art and craft, music and dance competitions to skits, quizzes and computer programming competitions. The most notable among these are the English and Hindi JAMs, debates, band and group dance competitions.

Major events are held in the Main Auditorium, which has a seating capacity of over 800 people. Minor events are either organised in the Hogan Hall, the reading room or the respective designated areas such as Computer Laboratory, Gymnasium or Art Room. The events are judged by distinguished jury members invited from various institutions and organisations in Allahabad.

Notable Alumni

Coordinates: 25°27′21″N 81°50′43″E / 25.4559°N 81.8452°E / 25.4559; 81.8452

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