About Us
GENERAL INFORMATION
Life of St. Marie Rivier
Marie Rivier, fondly known as “Marinette” was born on December 19, 1768 in Montpezat, France. At the ned of April 1770, Marinette, then sixteen months old, had a bad fall which left her handicapped. Her mother. Marie Anne Combe who was a woman of great faith, carried Marinette to the statue of the Pieta each day. Soon the little girl, who watched her mother pray, was certain: “The Blessed Virgin will cure me!” Left alone at the feet of Mary holding her head Son in her arms. Marie meditated. This mystery of passionate love filled her heart. Finally, on September 8, 1774. Marinette began to walk! These four years of “schooling” with Mary marked Marie Rivier’s life forever-she obtained everything through Mary’s intercession.
By the age of eighteen, Marie was devoting herself to evangelization and the care of the poor. She even opened a school despite the reluctance of the pastor, who was soon re-assured. Marie’s zeal to make Jesus known extended beyond the classroom to the adults. When the French revolution broke out and any religious action was suspicious, Marie Rivier secretly held Sunday assemblies. She was cautious but remained an apostolate with a heart of fire. In 1794, the village of Thueyts beckoned her and allowed themselves to be set afire by the Gospel. At the time when all the convents were being closed, Marie Rivier opened her own. On November 21, 1796, feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, Marie and her four companions consecrated themselves to God. The new community grew very quickly despite the poverty it experienced
For Marie Rivier and her daughters, Christian Education of youth was and will remain a priority. However, religious education extended to adults as well. The poor also held a special place in Marie’s heart and she Opened her first orphanage in 1814.
Nothing would stop Marie’s apostolic ardor. Priests asked her to speak to their parishioners and to assemble the women of their parish to rekindle fervor. Marie spoke with clarity, energy, and gentleness that touched every heart. An inner strength gave her support and caused her to cry out: “Ether make Jesus known or die!” When she died on February 3, 1838, this Woman- Apostle with a heart of fire had founded 141 houses and had received more that 350 sisters to continue her mission. Marie Rivier, “a prophet of our time”, was beatified in Rome by Pope John Paul I on May 23, 1982. The Pope signed a decree caling Marie Rivier “BLESSED.”
On May 15, 2022, Pope Francis canonized Marie Rivier a saint of the Church.
THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
The history of Holy Cross of Malalag dates back to June 1960 when the priests of the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec (PME Fathers) began the direction of the school. Fr. Jean Claude Pelland, PME was the first School Director.
Fully realizing the importance of education in the life of humankind, the PME Fathers, in founding Holy Cross of Malalag, wished to bring to the youth of Malalag the positive values and benefits of a sound Christian education where truth and love are simultaneously inculcated.
Holy Cross of Malalag was thus opened in 1960 and remained under the direction of the PME Fathers until 1966.
In 1963, the school consisted of a sole building of barely eight rooms used as library, offices and classrooms. Three years later, another building of six classrooms was constructed.
In 1966, the College Department was opened. The Bureau of Private Schools granted Fr. Jean Claude Pelland, PME a permit to offer two courses, Education and Liberal Arts. Due to financial difficulties, the college was closed after three years.
In July 1967, the Presentation of Mary Sisters helped in the administration until 1976. However, the urgent need for a more permanent management of the school was increasingly felt and this prompted the PME Fathers to fully turn over the ownership and administration of Holy Cross of Malalag to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in 1977.
To date, Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc. is proud of being the Alma Mater of many happy and successful alumni who serve in the different sectors of society.
School Seal of Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc.
The seal of the Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc. consists of the circle within which the following words are inscribed:
On top, the words “Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc.”
At the bottom: “Malalag, Davao del Sur”
At the center: The sign of the Cross standing on the emblem of the PM Congregation, the AVE MARIA, and the world.
The motto of the school: “To Christ through Mary” is at the bottom and a laurel wreath on top of the circle.
Philosophy, Vision, Mission, & Core Values
PHILOSOPHY
Inspired by the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and charism of Saint Marie Rivier, Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc. believes in the importance of providing holistic and transformative Christian and Rivierian education that nurtures the development of individuals into compassionate, competent and resilient evangelizers who are committed to make Jesus Christ known and loved.
VISION
Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc. is a Christ–centered, Marian, and Rivierian evangelizing community nurturing a culture of excellence, dynamically responsive to the needs and changes of the Church and society.
MISSION
Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc. commits to:
- Deliver quality educationanchored on Marian spirituality and Saint Marie Rivier’s virtues for the integral formation of competent and committed persons who are able to meet the current and emergent needs of the society.
- Provide innovative and transformative programs and advocacies that compassionately foster respect for integral ecology, inclusive society, and diversity and ability to meet the demands of today’s generation
- Conduct works of evangelization through fostering family spirit, communioand essential collaboration, and sustained community engagement and social responsibility.
CORE VALUES
Christ – Centeredness
Competence
Compassion
Commitment