CHIJMES

“Since I am Governor of Singapore, I have the opportunity to know the work done in this colony, and it is why I do not hesitate to say that there is no institution as well conducted as this one. I know to whom the Government turns when it is confronted with poor destitute, children or adults; and we are sure that they will find here a good home and a good education.” -Governor of Singapore, 1892

HISTORY :

WHAT LIES BEHIND THE CLOISTER WALLS?

The history of Chijmes is a marvellous mosaic. It reveals beautifully that love does in fact conquer all. Its odyssey from struggling convent school to resplendent living history was never easy, but then most worthwhile journeys are always challenging. Chijmes was once the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), established in 1854. The order of the Holy Infant Jesus was founded by a Frenchman, Father Nicholas Barre. Born in Amiens, France in 1621 and educated at a Jesuit college

in his hometown, Nicholas Barre decided to dedicate his life to God. He joined the Convent des Minimes, one of the strictest orders in the church and was appointed Professor of Theology. Despite his success, he was a man of humility and the idea of improving education in France struck him.

Young women volunteers of Rouen ran the first "Charitable Schools" in their town to teach the poor children. They went each morning to teach, gathering the children from home to home if necessary. Father Barre realized the need of spiritual bond among the sisters to counteract rising opposition from the other "writing masters" or teachers of that time. Thus, he began a new religious congregation. As membership increased, the schools multiplied. In Paris, he named his schools simply as "School of the Holy Infant Jesus". In 1678, he founded a Novitiate for the Sisters on the Seine.

However, in May 1686, his health declined and on 24 May, Father Barre's soul returned to the Maker. By the end of the century, less than 25 years after the opening of the Mother-House in Paris, Father Barre's congregation was directing 80 establishments for free education and 40 boarding schools in the French provinces. The period of office of Rev Mother de Faudoas (1837-1877) saw a wonderful expansion in the Institute's work. The Institute developed rapidly after official approval by the Holy See of Rome was given. It spread from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, to the Far East - from America to England, Spain, Malaya, Japan and even to Thailand.

The first missionary trip to the East was made in 1851 by five nuns but it was a failure. The Superior of the party died at sea, another caught brain-fever and a third left on reaching Singapore. Only two nuns were left and another party had to be sent. Sister Mathilde was chosen as the Superior of this new party of four Sisters who finally reached Penang on 28 October 1852 after a tiring journey of six months.

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