ESFDB commemorates its 25th year anniversary

Twenty-five years young, 96 years strong! 2014 is Eskuelan San Francisco De Borja 25th anniversary year. The milestone was celebrated on Sept. 23, 2014, at the San Isidro Church in Sinapalo Village, Rota, bringing together parents, friends, alumni, benefactors, donors, and the community’s faithful as ESFDB celebrates a milestone and the birthday of its beloved founder, Rev. Monsignor Louis Antonelli.

The theme for the anniversary is “ESFDB Legacy, 1989 and Beyond.”

Twenty-five years ago, Antonelli appealed to the Sisters of Mercy in Guam, with whom he fervently wished to have companions in church ministry, to come to Rota and assist him in church work and set up a modest Catholic daycare center for the community.

Antonelli’s dream materialized, as Sister Mary Benedict San Nicolas, a native of Rota, arrived from Guam to assist him and assume her ministry as administrator-principal of the first and only Catholic childhood center. She was joined by Sister Mary Veronica Chargualaf and Sister Mary Carmelita Peredo.

Soon after the establishment of the Catholic Childhood Center, under the Education Act of 1988, ESFDB was granted its first charter to operate as a non-profit educational institution with all rights and privileges.

At the age of 96, Antonelli’s dream is still alive as the school continues to provide Catholic education to the community of Rota.

After years of various congregations managing the school, a laity was asked to manage ESFDB.

“I never thought I would end up at ESFDB, until one day I was visited by the diocese Apostolic Administrator, Rev. Fr. Ryan Jimenez, and Rota first lady Estrella Mendiola. I was asked if I could extend my help to ESFDB being the administrator-principal of the school,” said Carmen H. Atalig. “During my first day, I knew immediately that this was exactly where God wanted me.”

Upon hearing that a native of Rota with years of experience working in the CNMI Public School System will be running the school, Antonelli had no reservations and was happy to know that a faithful in the community of Rota is managing the school.

The 25th anniversary committee chair, Lorenzo A. Barcinas, echoed the same sentiments as Antonelli.

“Back then one of Luta’s daughters, Sister Mary Benedict (San Nicolas), became the school’s first administrator-principal and again another of Luta’s daughter, Carmen H. Atalig, is at the helm guiding the school to new heights,” said Barcinas.

Barcinas added, “We clearly understand what Monsignor Antonelli had in mind when he contemplated establishing the only Catholic school on Rota. He envisioned the many successful children who will be the leaders of our Luta community and the CNMI.”

“I am glad that Monsignor Antonelli founded Eskuelan. I am proud to be part of the school’s legacy. I thank my grandparents for sending me to Eskuelan to get educated in a Catholic school,” said eighth-grade student Tyra Reese A. Calvo.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to attend ESFDB and see people recognize the contributions Monsignor Antonelli has made not only to ESFDB, but the Luta community. I know that ESFDB will always be a part of our Luta history,” said 1997 alumna Jackie Gumataotao Manglona.

“It is nice for the community to know that we are trying to keep our Catholic education alive,” added 1999 alumna Ivy Taitano-Hocog.

“The 25th anniversary celebration should be a reflection of God’s work in the school’s past, present, and future,” said board chair Edward Maratita Jr. “The 25 years of prayers, hard work, dedication, love, and joy which were invested in this magnificent project called Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja will always be remembered. I encourage parents and students to spread the word that investing in a Catholic education is important. You’re the witnesses; you’re the examples of why you’re at ESFDB.”

“We congratulate all those people whose prayers, hard work, dedication, love, and joy that made this event worthy of 25 years of faithful service to our students, parents, and community. May God bless each member of the ESFDB family and let us pray for another 25 wonderful years,” added Maratita.

Prior to the Mass, Rota Rep. Teresita Santos (R-Rota) presented a resolution honoring Antonelli, Atalig, and the board of directors.

The board of directors and alumni would like to extend their appreciation to the school administration, faculty and staff, students, parents, benefactors, donors, PTO officers, Rep. Santos, Antonio Chavez, Shaw Taisacan, and James Manglona. (ESFDB)