Nazareth School Alumni Association

Nazareth School History

NS History is divided into six periods namely:

Foundation of Nazareth School to the Japanese-American War (1938-1948)

June 25, 1983 marked the blessing of the chapel and the residence of the Hijas de Jesus community with three sisters residing in the house: Rev. Mo. Saturnina Herrero, Rev. Mo. Teresa Sanz, Rev. Mo. Isabel Ubago. It started as a retreat house for women of the lower middle class who wanted to pursue meaningful spiritual exercises. The following year was providential for the Novitiate was established. The house of Nazareth depended on charity for its continuous existence and somehow experienced adversities during the troubled years. The Novitiate was then suspended until after the liberation. Despite the critical situation, the number of spiritual activities like retreats, recollections, etc. increased.

This period was highlighted by a simple and memorable observance of 100th year anniversary of the hIjas de Jesus congregation’s Foundress, Blessed Candida Ma. De Jesus on May 31, 1945.

Opening of Nazareth School (1945-1959)

After the war, many school buildings were destroyed and a great number of children were deprived of education. The sisters who knew that his was bound to happen took another attempt to renew their request for the opening of a new school. The first request was denied by the archbishop on the ground that there were too many schools in Manila. However, in the end, permission was granted on the account of the prevailing condition of the city. Thus, Nazareth School began with three classes: Kindergarten, Grade I and Grade II. The classrooms used were the working women’s pavilions.

Officially, the school started in July 1947. The first enrolment consisted of 76children. Each year, one grade level was added and in 1952, the elementary curriculum was completed.

Nazareth School continued to grow and expand its horizon. The first year of the Secondary level offered in 1953 was exclusively for girls. By this time, the place has ceased to be a Retreat House and Novitiate. Finally in 1956, it completed the secondary curriculum and the first batch of Nazarethans from high school graduated that year.

 

Growth in the Student Population (1960-1970)

Enrolment in Nazareth School varied from year to year with a steady increase and a minimal decrease. In 1965, a new school building was constructed and other improvements was followed. Catechism classes that were handled by the Sisters and assisted by the alumnae were opened.

 

Turbulent Years of Student Activism (1971-1981)

Intermittent unrest and demonstration of students disturbed the beginning of this period. The effects of student activism did not spare Nazareth School that is located near the university belt. It somehow disrupted the flow of school life. When Martial Law was proclaimed, it has diminished in one way or another the internal chaos brought about by the students’ movement.

Fifty Years of Hijas de jesus in the Philippines (1982-1992)

What made this period momentous for Nazareth School was the celebration of the Golden Jubilee year of Hijas de Jesus, Philippine Province. The said event was highlighted by the arrival of Mother General Sr. Carmen Zamalloa, F.I., the concelebrated mass at the Manila Cathedral and the “Golden Years” cultural presentation held at Nazareth School. It was an occasion that gathered all representatives of the Hijas de Jesus Houses in the Philippines to thank the Father for the bountiful blessings received.

As the seed grows and bears fruits, in 1988, Nazareth School opened the doors of the high school department to young boys who sought Christian education. It has now become a co-educational school.

Today (1993-present)

Significantly, in 1997, Nazareth School celebrated its fifty years dedicated service to the church and the Filipino youth. A simple opening and closing ceremonies marked the yearlong celebration. The blessing of the then newly constructed building named Bl. Candida Building, is one of the highlights of this event.

For the Nazareth School, the third millennium is the continuation of the fulfillment of all its dreams and aspirations- the pursuance of a quality Christian education. Thus, the grade school department sought for the PAASCU. Accreditation in 1998 was then followed by the high school department the next year. It was a step that the whole educative community took with vigor and enthusiasm. It was a hard work for everyone. However, it opened the door for new discoveries and it was the beginning of a continuous process aimed towards excellence.

 

The school keeps on aligning its thrust with the Catholic Church particularly on the preferential love for the poor. It likewise takes the responsibility of molding the young to become [productive contributors to the transformation of peaceful, just, and a humane Philippine society. It remains as an avenue for the Hijas de Jesus Congregation in the realization of its mission of evangelization through education in faith and integral Christian formation of the youth.