ST JAMES, Jamaica- Mount Alvernia High, Chetwood Memorial Primary and Mount Alvernia Preparatory officially begin the grand observation of their centennial with a mass of thanksgiving on Sunday at the Roman Catholic Blessed Sacrament Cathedral starting at 9:00 am.

Concelebrant for the mass which will be held under the theme, “A century of stars, illuminating the future”, will be Bishop of Mandeville and Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Montego Bay the Most Reverend John Derrick Persaud.

Minister of Education, Youth, Skills and Information Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Member of Parliament for St James North Dr Horace Chang, and Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon are among the dignitaries expected to be in attendance.

A significant feature will be the attendance of a contingent of The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, some of whom will be travelling from New York, and who were the pioneering founders of Mount Alvernia High and Preparatory Schools and worked with Father Chetwood to establish Chetwood Memorial Primary.

Chairman of the centennial celebration committee, Marline Stephenson Dalley said the mass is a most fitting avenue to usher in a year of celebratory activities.

“We are indeed happy to begin this Centennial celebration with a mass giving God thanks for these decades of excellence as we showcase our numerous achievements in academia, sports, performing arts, and in our positive engagements with the community,” she said.

The mass of thanksgiving will be followed by a fund-raising brunch on the grounds of Mount Alvernia High and Stephenson Dalley is inviting stakeholders, supporters, friends, and the general public to attend both events.

Tickets for the brunch are available at all three schools.

The centennial celebrations will continue with a series of activities to be hosted by the three schools throughout the year.

-Horace Hines