“Praised be forever Jesus and Mary.” That is the motto etched into the very soul of the Convent of Jesus and Mary. Here stands a prestigious all-girls’ day school in Delhi. It is often known by its acronym CJM.
The Convent of Jesus and Mary was established in 1919. It’s part of a network of Convents of Jesus and Mary. These convents span India, Pakistan, and the UK. The order of the Religieuses of Jesus and Mary founded the school. This Roman Catholic order originated in Lyon, France. Claudine Thévenet founded it in October 1818. She was also known as Mary of St. Ignatius.
In 1926, the Convent of Jesus and Mary moved to its current building. It is located behind the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Today, the school has 2,000 students. Many eminent women from India have walked these halls. The school is near the Gol Dak Khana or Round Post Office. Its grounds border St. Columba’s School for boys. They are considered sister and brother schools. Many students have siblings in the other school.
Saint Claudine Thevenet was the foundress of the order. The school celebrates her feast day on 3 February. Saint Dina Belanger started the congregation. Annual events are sponsored by the Old Students Association or OSA. These events include Prize Day, Kaleidoscope, and sports day. There are also quiz competitions and magic shows. Festivals like Independence Day and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
The Convent of Jesus and Mary follows a house system. Students are divided into four groups. These houses are Endurance represented by green. Endeavour is blue. Encounter is red. Enterprise is yellow.
Numerous notable women have passed through these gates. Sheila Dikshit served as Chief Minister of Delhi. Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese democracy activist. Sushma Seth is a renowned actress. Priyanka Gandhi is the daughter of Sonia Gandhi and an Indian politician. Preity Zinta is a Bollywood actress. Anushka Sharma is another famous Bollywood actress who attended this school. Even Rahul Gandhi was registered here for public exams for security reasons. He was taught privately by teachers of the school.
The principal of the Convent of Jesus and Mary is Sister Janet. The school song echoes through the corridors. “Jesu Marie’s our pride Jesu Marie. We’ll hold her banner high And keep her honour bright Until we die. For we’re J .M.’s to the core We’re J.M.’s true So let cheers ring out free Long Live, Long Live, Long Live Jesu Marie.”
As you stand here, imagine the countless young women. They have been shaped by the values of this institution. The Convent of Jesus and Mary continues to be a beacon of education. It empowers girls to achieve their dreams. It encourages them to make a difference in the world.