Monsignor Juan Sinforiano Bogarin He was the driving force behind the initiative to create the San jose school, in the capital of the Republic. He was mainly in charge of the arrangements so that the Dad designate a religious congregation dedicated to education so that they can come to Paraguay to settle and work. 120 years and thousands of students were trained in this study house.
The congregation Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram was appointed by the Pope. They toured the city and formed a commission at the request of Father Juan Sinforiano Bogarín, who provided the funds for the acquisition of the property where the school is located today.
Mario Ardissonerepresentative of the Parents Association of the San José School, comments that the activities at the School began on July 4, 1904 with 13 studentscurrently they are 1,700 from pre-kindergarten to third grade.
“The school is growing and is lucky to have the arrival of french priests who had been expelled from their country due to the political context in which they lived at that time. A significant contingent of priests was sent to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay“, mentions.
The French religious were what generated solid foundationsgiving San José the impression of being united regarding the list of former students.
Read More: They presented the San José Run 120 years
Remember that precisely the motto of the alumni association, inaugurated in 1968, has to do with that time: “Friendship, tolerance and help”.
San José students went to the Chaco War
The San José School was represented at the Chaco Warsince several of his students went to defend the country, some died, so a monument in the institution’s facilities.
Furthermore, the school also became hospital and blood bank during the war.
“The school provides its facilities and cooperates with its staff. San José is the only school that has a decoration granted by the State to an educational institution for its participation in the Chaco War“, he stressed.
Important exponents
Among its students, alumni and teachers, it has important exponents of culture, such as Father Marcelino Cruzcreator of the music “Dear Homeland”.
The generation of 50 (group of notable writers who marked a milestone in the literary production of Paraguay), led by Father César Alonso, was probably the most prodigious In Paraguayan literary and intellectual terms, among them: José Luis Appleyard, José María Gómez Sanjurjo and Ramiro Dominguez and Mazopoets.
The former president of the Republic Juan Carlos Wasmosy He was also a student, as well as the current Minister of Finance, Carlos Fernandez Valdovinos; the minister of the interior Enrique Riera; the former deputies Sebastian Acha and Sebastian Villarejo.
Several highlights in the sport add to the list: Victor Pecci, winner of the Roland Garros from 1979; the basketball player Clari Vallejosamong others.
The expansion of San José College
In more recent times, the Colegio San José has expanded to Ciudad del Este in Alto Paraná, area of Remanso Bridgehe Saint Joseph the Apostolic School.
With the Father José Sobá was created San Miguel de Garicoits Schoola few meters from San José, on España Avenue, thought of the children from the lower arealocal residents.
“This reflects the immense solidaritythe spirit of cooperation for those who need a hand. Religious values are also solid and are present in the training of their students,” he said.
It also has a Literary Academy which is more than 100 years old, The Alumni Housea cooperative and one alumni association.
A legacy of generations
Most of the families of students of San José School were also part of the institution. Grandparents, parents and children are part of the students and alumni, being a legacy what happens generation to generation.
“I am from the class of 1993, my son is from the class of 2024, my father is from the class of 1954 and my grandfather is from the class of 1927. There are several generations of the same familywhere San José is for us our life storythat of ours familiesis our space and our house“, he said.
He also said that the sense of belonging It makes alumni always look to return.
Marcelo Pecci “is an example to follow”
He prosecutor Marcelo Peccimurdered in Colombia, was a student at the institution and was very loved by the entire community.
“His example will endure and it is a inspiration of integrity with the commitment to give the country the best we can, as they teach us in school,” he expressed.
Activities for the 120th anniversary
This Saturday, June 29th, the traditional anniversary parade of the San José School through the streets of the country’s capital, in which students, alumni and teachers participate.
On Sunday the event will take place “San José Run 120 years” racefrom 7:00 at the Quinta del San José headquarters in the 5K and 10K categories, in the general and age categories, in addition, the youngest ones will also be able to participate in short distances in circuits on the athletics track.
