FEATURE : SJI HERITAGE GALLERY | LUMEN
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SJI Unveils New Heritage Gallery
SJI unveiled ' Missio 1852 ' on 7 August 2019 , in commemoration of Singapore ' s bicentennial year and the Tercentenary of the death of the Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools – St . John Baptist de La Salle . The gallery showcases 167 years of Josephian history and Lasallian heritage , tradition and community in Singapore . This project is supported by the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Bicentennial Office .
La Salle Brother Gregory Thomas Lim , FSC , officiated the opening with the ringing of the original brass school bell from the former SJI campus at Bras Basah Road . At 95 years old , he is the oldest La Salle Brother in Singapore and was a former teacher who taught Moral Instruction and Bible Knowledge in SJI and St . Patrick ’ s School in the 1970s .
The highlights of Missio 1852 include :
1 . Profiles of distinguished Josephians – Thousands of illustrious Josephians have graduated from the gates and halls of SJI since 1852 . Missio 1852 celebrates the contributions and achievements of the school and of these alumni who have served the society in different ways throughout the century .
2 . The Brothers ’ Logbook – The La Salle Brothers meticulously kept annual logbooks such as these , detailing notable events like inter-school competitions , important visitors to the school , spiritual bouquets and civics group meetings . It was the practice for the Brother Director to keep a diary / logbook to record key events throughout the school year , to help him when he prepares the annual report to be sent to Rome .
3 . The Founder ’ s Banner – As part of the school ’ s emphasis on rituals and symbolism , this Founder ’ s banner was frequently used in events like the celebration of the apparition of our Lady of Fatimah in the 1950s . Out of the traditional three banners used , only this one remains . These banners were originally stored away in a camphor wood chest in the Brothers ’ Quarters .
4 . The Grandfather Clock that has survived the Japanese Occupation – This clock once stood on the verandah of the Brothers ' House and called all therein to prayers and class . During WWII , shrapnel damaged the clock and the marks have been preserved in its restoration . Holes on both sides indicated where shrapnel entered the clock , hit the back of the pendulum and exited on the opposite side .