Leadership in the Spirit of Service
To lead, in the Bridgetine tradition, is to serve — a truth taught by Christ Himself, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” Anchored in this guiding principle, the Primary School Prefects’ Investiture Ceremony for 2026 was held on 28th January, marking the formal entrustment of responsibility to a new generation of young leaders.
From the very outset, the ceremony unfolded with dignity and meaning. The prefects extended a gracious welcome to our guests at the school entrance with traditional sheaves of betel, after which lamps and floral offerings were reverently placed at the statue of St. Bridget. In quiet procession, the prefects then made their way into the school hall. The Holy Mass was celebrated with Rev. Fr. Gemunu Dias presiding as Chief Celebrant. In his homily, Fr. Gemunu, drawing from the words of Jesus, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,” emphasised that greatness is measured not by authority or position, but by one’s willingness to serve others with humility, compassion and selflessness, virtues exemplified by Christ, the Good Shepherd.
The spirit of this message found expression in the Investiture Ceremony that followed. With solemn pride, the Primary School Prefects ceremoniously assumed their duties as each student was pinned with the badge of office. The newly appointed Board of Prefects pledged their commitment to upholding the values of the school and leading with integrity. A particularly symbolic moment of the ceremony was the entrusting of the School Flag by our Principal, Rev. Sr. Dilrukshika Silva, to the newly appointed Head Girl. In a similar vein, the House Flags were presented to the four House Prefects by their respective House Mistresses.
Adding further warmth to the occasion was the cordial welcome extended to our new Community Leader, Rev. Sr. Prisca Perera, who was received into the Bridgetine family with heartfelt goodwill, marking the beginning of a new chapter of guidance and fellowship.
As the newly appointed prefects raised their voices in the familiar strains of “Carry Your Candle,” the song served as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the responsibility entrusted to them, to be bearers of light, gently and firmly upholding the enduring Good Shepherd values that bind the Bridgetine family together.
