St. Patrick’s High School, one of Karachi’s oldest and most prominent educational institutions, marked its 165th anniversary on May 6 with a major alumni gathering celebrating the school’s long-standing contribution to education and nation-building in Pakistan.
The Centennial Sapphire Anniversary event brought together former students, Church leaders, government officials, educators, and members of the Catholic community to commemorate the institution’s legacy of academic excellence and character formation.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Mario Rodrigues, principal of the school and an alumnus, described the anniversary as an opportunity to renew the institution’s educational mission.
“This extraordinary milestone invites us to reflect on our rich legacy and renew our commitment to the sacred mission of education,” Fr. Rodrigues said. “As we commemorate this historic anniversary, we renew our commitment to nurturing students who are intellectually equipped, morally grounded, and spiritually inspired.”
Founded on May 6, 1861, by the Jesuits as a small parish school with 35 students, St. Patrick’s High School has grown into one of Pakistan’s leading educational institutions, now serving more than 5,000 students across various academic streams.
Fr. Rodrigues said generations of students had carried forward the school’s values of integrity, compassion, and excellence into public life and professional service.
“The school has grown into a pillar of education and character formation,” he said. “Generations of students have walked through its halls carrying with them the vision of our founders.”
In recognition of the anniversary, Pope Leo XIV imparted his Apostolic Blessings to the school’s administration, staff, students, alumni, and benefactors. In a message shared during the celebrations, the Holy Father prayed that the institution’s educational mission would continue to flourish and remain a place where hearts and minds are formed in the spirit of faith and service.
Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, also congratulated the school community. Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, the Cardinal encouraged the institution to strengthen authentic educational relationships and promote a culture of “digital humanism,” ensuring that technological advancement remains centered on the dignity of the human person.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, an alumnus of the school and chief guest of the event, joined Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi in cutting the anniversary cake.
“It is a historic milestone to celebrate 165 years,” the Chief Minister said. “As a proud alumnus, I take personal pride in this institution, which has remained a beacon of academic excellence, character building, and national service.”
He credited the school’s enduring reputation to its commitment to moral values, discipline, and holistic education.
Archbishop Germano Penemote, Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan; Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi; and Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah also conveyed messages of congratulations.
Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, himself an alumnus of the institution, said Catholic education has always centered on the formation of young people.
“Through these 165 years, the school has remained faithful to Christ’s command: ‘Let your light shine before others,’” the Archbishop said, quoting Matthew 5:16.
Several alumni also reflected on the school’s influence on their personal and professional lives.
Menin Rodrigues described St. Patrick’s as “a living testament to educational excellence, discipline, and nation-building,” while Dr. Naseem Shekhani credited the school with instilling in him “the spirit of philanthropy.”
Dr. Sohail Rao said the institution gave him “a lifelong formation rooted in discipline, camaraderie, and integrity.”
The anniversary celebrations highlighted the school’s continuing role in shaping generations of students while reaffirming its Catholic educational mission in Pakistan.
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