The Franciscan Catholic School "Nativity of the Lord" in Novosibirsk was opened in 1994: this year, therefore, we celebrate 30 years since its foundation with various initiatives involving the local Church and Bishop, students, former students, teachers and parents. In the whole Russian territory, there are only two Catholic schools: this one of the Friars Minor and a Gymnasium in Tomsk, of the Society of Jesus.
1994 - 2024
30 years have passed. The first alumni have formed their families and are keen to send their children to our Franciscan Catholic school. There are more than three hundred former students and they often come to visit us: they are the messengers of our school. We already have our dead: Anna and Nikita.
At first, the school was attended by mostly Russian children who were for the most part Orthodox and a few Catholics. Now, because of immigration from the countries of the South, it is also frequented by Muslims. The programmes are standard in Russian elementary schools. Enriched by music, singing and the hour of Religion. Religion is based on biblical themes, sacred icons, the names of God in the Qur'an, and the Ten Commandments. In the fourth class we answer the question "who is Jesus?". That is why we read the Gospel of Mark and the more than 35 parables and 20 miracles performed by Jesus.
Every day we pray and, in addition to the prayer of the "Our Father", we sing and recite the "Canticle of the Creatures" of St. Francis.
For 30 years the school has been supported by many benefactors to whom our grateful memory goes. At the moment the school is attended by 57 boys and girls. By law, since our environments are limited, we cannot have more than 60. For 30 years we have sown the good seed and we have met many people. We thank the Lord and all our friends.
Br. Corrado Trabucchi
Director of the Franciscan School "Nativity of the Lord" in Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
