The House System & Its Patrons
Building character through tradition and excellence
School Patron
Our guiding light and inspiration
St. Francis Xavier
07.04.1506 - 03.12.1552
The patron of the School is St. Francis Xavier. Born of a noble Spanish family, Francis became a follower of St. Ignatius of Loyola during his studies at the University of Paris and was one of his first companions. His Feast Day is celebrated on 3rd December.
Under the present House System, the School is divided into four houses, each named after a Jesuit Saint: Loyola, Gonzaga, Berchmans and Britto.
Loyola
● Red House
St. Ignatius Loyola
1491-1556
A Basque (Spaniard) and soldier-saint who while convalescing after his leg was shattered in a battle against the French, conceived a burning desire to follow in the footsteps of Christ. In 1540 he founded the Society of Jesus with a group of companions. He contributed greatly to the Church's renewal during the Counter-Reformation and encouraged the founding of schools and universities. His Feast Day is celebrated on 31st July.
Gonzaga
● Green House
St. Aloysius Gonzaga
1568-1591
Heir to the noble family title of Castiglione (North Italy), his father took him on training expeditions to teach him the art of arms. Aloysius let himself be moulded in a different type of school. In his late teens, he joined the Jesuit novitiate renouncing honour and riches to serve Christ. He died as a Jesuit student at the age of 23 while nursing the plague-stricken. His Feast Day is celebrated on 21st June.
Berchmans
● Blue House
St. John Berchmans
1599-1621
He was a Belgian, from a family of cobblers. Thanks to a benefactor, he completed his school studies and joined the Jesuits at the age of 17. Continuing higher studies, he was observant to the last detail in his religious and academic commitment. He was still a student, when he died of ill-health at the age of 22. All who knew John, loved him because of his sincere piety, practical charity and unfailing cheerfulness. His Feast Day is celebrated on 26th November.
Britto
● Yellow House
St. John de Britto
1647-1693
He became a Jesuit in Europe and opted to work in India. He became a 'Pandara Swami' in Madurai, schooling himself to Indian ways and adopting Indian dress and dietary habits. He preached the love of God to all levels of Indian society. His love for the local people earned him the wrath of a local king. He was executed for his faith at Oriyur, in the district of Ramnad, in Tamil Nadu. His Feast Day is celebrated on 4th February.