A Familian Perspective “Till The Mountains Disappear”

…by Avishka Mario Senewiratne and Late Fr. Stanley Abeysekera

(Review By Sr. Cynthia Mendis PH)

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The (246+ XIV) page, A4 Size book is priced at LKR 2000. Copies can be obtained by calling +94766122345

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The story of St. Joseph’s College titled, “Till the mountains disappear” fell into my hands in a surprising way and I thank God who has often been a “God of surprises” in my life as a Religious Sister. The one who spoke of it first to me was my cousin, Capt. Elmo Jayawardene, a non-Josephian but a writer of worth himself. As a result of it, I met Avishka. Finally, when this “mountain” or monument of work on St. Joseph’s College, compiled over six years, came to me I was intrigued by the chronicle of events, facts, figures, men and matters enumerated therein. The research done by a young writer and the serious look into various archives, lives of former Rectors, past issues of the Blue and White magazine, interviews with dedicated teachers and distinguished students makes a mosaic to be treasured by any loyal Josephian. It offers also a run through the history of Catholic education, especially in the early difficult times, and its contribution to our land over many years.

Therefore, reading Avishka’s book brought back many poignant memories of a College we still care about – though no one there knows us now. Such memories can never be erased. I am thankful to Avishka for reviving those embers of a fire that once burned within us. Avishka took me to a vivid past. His book will be treasured by our family.

My “attachment” to St. Joseph’s dates back to the time I was at Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya. Our convent school is mentioned in the book with reference to Noel Crusz’ film “Little bike lost” which I remember seeing in school. Fr. Noel, then, was a regular and popular visitor to the convent since he promoted the devotion to St. Maria Goretti, even taking our “tuck-shop” to make a shrine room with relics of the Saint he had brought from Nettuno. Very soon we had a big school bus called, “Maria Goretti,” with a big-made Irish Sister as a ‘body-guard’ to the girls! The bus was blue and white … St. Joseph’s colours!

I never considered St. Peter’s our “brother” school as was the custom. For me, right through life, St. Joseph’s has been THE one best boys’ school in Colombo. How come?

Well, it has a history dating back to the time before I was born. My father Leslie Mendis made a “jump” from St. Benedict’s College to St. Joseph’s as the family had also moved to a house on Darley Road, almost opposite the College. I remember him speak often of Fr. Maurice Le Goc O.M.I., especially as Daddy loved Botany and gave me too a love for that subject and the Botany book by Fr. Le Goc. My father’s elder brother, Eric Mendis, who lived with us, was our “academic father.” He had joined the College staff in 1922 as a Science and Maths teacher. He graduated during the time he was teaching and the College gave a half-day holiday. He continued for over 50 years, very faithful to the College he loved, and we used to say, “he is married to the College,” as he remained a bachelor. Cricket was also in the mainstream of College life for us. Priya Perera, who captained the Team, was my first cousin. My two brothers Percy and Eardley had their entire education there and together played in the first XI in 1960-1962. As a family we attended all the matches in which my brothers played whether in Colombo, Kandy or elsewhere. We formed part of a cheering squad with other families of cricketers. As youngsters we also enjoyed the food and drink taken in the boots of our cars by our parents. It was great fun calling out “nicknames” of cricketers or jeering at the opponents.

Many of our relatives also began and ended their schooling there. No wonder then that we “girls” in the family considered ourselves Josephians and up to now I say, “I am a Josephian at heart.

I have a soft corner for St. Joseph’s.” Even today, each time I ask a little boy or a young adult which school he attends and he replies, “St. Joseph’s” I always add that it is the best school ! I remember the year 1960 when our entire family of seven went with Uncle Eric to “squat” near the grotto, together with others, as a protest over the school’s take-over. Many are my memories of College Carnivals where we ran a family “stall” or helped our Uncles or Aunts to run theirs. My memories go back to Bonjean Hall visited so many times, especially when Uncle Eric had his Magic Shows, often in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul’s Society. In fact, I myself was “produced” by him from an empty box, fully checked by a volunteer from the audience as empty and there I come out as “Miss Terious.” I was offered “bribes” by many to share the secret! Uncle Eric, popularly known as Professor Enrico, had a knack of making up very appropriate titles for his items. One trick done with eggs was called an “Eggsperiment.”

We also went for Fr. Ignatius’ Choral Society concerts as Uncle Eric was a skilled violinist in it. I know he did so much for the College and for Josephians who visited him at our home to share confidences. They seemed to us like coming for “confession” to “Father Eric.” He was a devout gentle-man attending daily Mass and initiating us also into it. In 1990 when he was feeble, he requested me, as a Religious Sister, to collect the award he received for distinguished service to the College. Back I came to Bonjean Hall, “proud” to represent him. I believe his portrait, done perhaps by an old boy, hangs in the Staff Room. I saw it there once.

What I appreciate much in Avishka’s book is that he encourages future research, gathering of more information on the Josephian heritage to “fill the gaps this book may have left.” He even apologizes for “any unintentional omission” and accepts his limitations as an amateur as he takes us through a 125-year journey of the College. It is not often that one can “spy” the gift of humility in a writer! As much as I enjoyed and marvelled at the writing in the book, I admired the “boy” behind the book. His wisdom has been stolen from the distant mountains and his humility will be there till the mountains disappear. I wish to encourage Avishka Senewiratne to fly as a Professional, Yes, but also to keep on reflecting, researching and writing. Good luck and God bless you.