This year, 2025, St. James School of Subic celebrates its 80th founding anniversary, a milestone the school proudly calls its double ruby anniversary, with the theme: “Celebrating 80 Years of Transformative Catholic Education with Grateful Hearts.”
This celebration marks the remarkable journey of St. James as an institution that has shaped young minds and hearts in faith, service, and excellence.
On February 12, 2025, the school held “Gawad Parangal”, an event dedicated to honoring individuals and groups who have played a vital role in its growth. Among those recognized were the Columban Missionaries, whose contributions have been instrumental in the school’s transformation.
The Missionary Society of St. Columban was awarded a Plaque of Recognition, received by Fr. Leo Distor, Columban Regional Director, and Fr. Rolly Aniscal, Mission Promotion and Vocation Coordinator. The plaque reads:
“St. James School of Subic, Inc. presents this Plaque of Recognition to the Missionary Society of St. Columban for their visionary leadership and selfless dedication to the Catholic Church’s mission of evangelization and the realization of the school’s vision-mission. Their commitment to forming Christ-centered individuals and establishing a strong spiritual foundation has been instrumental in the school’s 80-year journey of transformative Catholic education—a legacy that continues to inspire generations to live out Gospel values.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to St. James School of Subic for this recognition. It is an honor to have journeyed with you, witnessing the growth of a school deeply rooted in faith and education. As you celebrate this milestone, we rejoice with you and pray for continued success in shaping future generations. Mabuhay kayo!
The Columbans and Their Legacy in St. James
The Columbans arrived in Zambales in 1951, bringing with them a mission to advance Catholic education.
They established schools in parishes and acquired private institutions, funding these initiatives through personal resources, parish donations, and the generosity of family and friends.
Under the leadership of Bishop Henry Byrne and Fr. Edward McKenna, the Columbans helped construct the school’s first two-story building in 1960, ensuring that more students could receive quality Catholic education. Their commitment went beyond infrastructure—they journeyed with students and faculty, fostering faith through education and service.
During the Gawad Parangal, former principal Carol Ducos, another awardee, expressed deep appreciation for the Columbans, particularly the late Fr. Edward McKenna, for their unwavering dedication. She acknowledged their lasting impact on the school and their continued missionary presence in Zambales.
Even beyond the classroom, the Columbans’ service—especially in the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption—continues to inspire and touch lives across the province. Their legacy is honored at St. James School through key buildings and spaces named in their memory: the Columban Building, Bishop Henry Byrne Building, and McKenna Garden. Every classroom also carries the name of a Columban priest who served the school, a lasting tribute to their missionary spirit.
To St. James School, thank you for recognizing this shared journey. May your mission of forming young minds and hearts in faith, knowledge, and service continue for many more years to come.
— By Marivic Mercene
(Featured Photo above: Fr. Leo Distor, front row 3rd from right, and Fr. Rolly Aniscal, in blue polo, pause for a picture with the Fransciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (SFIC) and Fr. Noel Montes, Curriculum Director of the Diocese of Iba Educational Foundation, Inc. (DIEFI) before the Gawad Parangal. In the picture too is Fr. Michael Duffin, another awardee and a former Columban priest.)
