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89th Anniversary of Colegio del Salvador in Jujuy, Argentina
Witnesses to the Light: Living Memory and Shared Mission
Alfredo Mbalanda Shinda, SVD
The Holy Mass, presided over by Father Jorge Faliszek, SVD, Provincial Superior, on May 7, was one of those moments that seal the soul with missionary fire. Inspired by the prologue of the Gospel of John, the homily invited us to be witnesses to the Light and pilgrims of hope. In that light and hope, the faces of children, teachers, and confreres radiated deep joy.
Following the Mass, there was an emotional and grateful gesture: the blessing of a plaque in honor of Brother Francisco Prediger, SVD, whose name was officially given to the school’s sports complex, recognizing his 27 years of service to this Divine Word educational institution in Jujuy. In this simple yet profound act, his years of devoted missionary service were honored. Francisco was visibly moved, thankful, and joyful for such meaningful recognition.
Meanwhile, in other areas of the school, students of all grade levels shared a festive hot chocolate, a symbol of daily fraternity. The school was decorated with posters and colors reflecting the 150th-anniversary theme of the Congregation. The gymnasium was transformed into a venue for formal ceremonies, where students—guided by their teachers—delivered speeches, hoisted flags, and presented theatrical performances born from youthful hearts unafraid to dream. A true symphony of talents was on display: voices, gestures, music, and dramatizations that evoked the missionary spirit, love for peoples, and the centrality of the Word, which becomes living Word and encounter.
The next day, in the Brother Francisco Sports Complex, high school students participated in interclass tournaments in football, basketball, and volleyball—both male and female categories. Students also took part in various board and recreational games. The competitions, marked by respect and camaraderie, served as a space for integration, energized by the Student Council and physical education teachers.
Finally, the five missionary colors brought life and hope to the scene, symbolizing the five continents and the universality of the Christian message. It was a parade that sowed joy, awareness, and hope in every heart. The entire procession was a symbol of universality, diversity, and mission. The themed parade, accompanied by families and teachers, amazed park-goers who were surprised and delighted by a school that opened itself to the city with songs, laughter, and colorful costumes that proclaimed the Good News of the Gospel.
Saturday marked the grand finale of the Jubilee Week with the Family Festival—a true celebration of the heart. From early on, the school radiated joy: booths, games, traditional foods, and artistic performances created an atmosphere of celebration and commitment. Young musicians shared a repertoire of zambas and chacareras that added sweetness to the celebration. The sun shone, the Spirit blew, and the community celebrated with gratitude—life, faith, and the vocation of education as a mission embodied in solidarity.
Throughout this week, Colegio del Salvador stood as a visible sign of the Divine Word charism: hospitality, joy, diversity, service, and missionary witness. Every moment lived planted a seed of living memory and renewed commitment in the institution’s history—from this corner of Jujuy to all peoples and persons.
