Reverend Brother Ernest Tarcisius is someone who has moved out of our immediate sight but has never left our hearts and minds. He fundamentally redefined our understanding of leadership. At a time when conventional wisdom often mistook toughness for strength, Brother Tarcisius chose a different path, one deeply rooted in his cherished faith. He treated our students with kindness and compassion while guiding them with his immense wisdom.
He assumed the role of Principal at St. Anne's College in 2013, a period when our College community was still healing from the loss of our late Reverend Brother Denzil Mendis just a few months prior. This was a challenging time for many of us, but as time passed, we found solace in the presence of Brother Tarcisius. He picked up where Brother Denzil left off and elevated our College to new heights. As the grace of Brother Denzil looks down upon us, he must surely be proud to see Brother Tarcisius steered our alma mater.
Under Brother Tarcisius's leadership, we celebrated St. Anne's College's 150-year milestone at the Sesquicentennial Jubilee. The way he orchestrated events, vibrant celebrations, and all the festivities leading up to and beyond the Jubilee was nothing short of ecstatic. It was a true Jubilee for our College community in every sense of the word. Brother Tarcisius possesses an iron will and a God-given talent for bringing out the absolute best!
Yet, it's important to recognize that Brother's contributions run much deeper than the colorful celebrations seen from the outside. He consistently assisted our students in every conceivable way. Not only did he engage with the students of his time, but he also endeavored to connect with every member of our College community, including old boys, past and present teachers, parents, and even well-wishers from outside. He is a friend to all and a mentor, guide, and even a savior in times of need.
Additionally, Brother possesses a remarkable level of creativity and a wide range of skills that have benefited everyone at the College. With his unique approach to achieving goals, education and personal growth for our students became not only successful but also enjoyable. Brother's calm and friendly demeanor turned our College into the happiest place for our boys, where 'stress' became virtually unheard of. Even today, students and teachers fondly recall the dances and songs our children performed in the wide-open spaces, to the tunes broadcast directly from the College office on Children's Day.
Brother Tarcisius is a charming and charismatic leader, and people readily connect with him. He doesn't judge people hastily. Instead, he invests ample time in giving individual attention to those in need, despite his busy schedule, offering kind words and practical solutions. He is not just someone who talks the talk; he certainly walks the walk. As a selfless noble person, he has touched so many lives behind the scenes without seeking recognition.
After six years of bringing color, immense joy, and remarkable achievements to the College, Brother Tarcisius bid farewell to our alma mater in 2019. It was a bittersweet moment. We are grateful and immensely privileged to have known such a great leader in our time. He left nothing but happiness and success in his wake. However, saying goodbye to such a precise leader and mentor was not easy. Yet, we cherish all the memories under his guidance and look forward to building on everything we gained during his tenure. In our Annite community, Brother Tarcisius holds a special place in our hearts. While he may have served in numerous other institutions, just as we hold him dear, he too cherishes our College. This is evident for anyone who rang his number and heard the caller tune of St. Anne's College's 150th Years Jubilee Anthem, even 4 years after he left the College. He repeatedly emphasized that his time in our College was a major turning point in his noble journey.
After leaving our College, Brother Tarcisius received numerous requests and invitations to lead various institutes and entities. He could have easily embraced a luxurious life, but he graciously declined those offers and chose to work for the upliftment of long-neglected underprivileged communities facing daily hardships. This truly underscores the nobility of our former Principal. Today, Brother Tarcisius serves as the Director of the Lasallian Community Education Service Center, bringing hope to people from diverse ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds who have been denied even the most basic essentials and conditions.
Today, as we reflect on the life of our beloved former Principal, Reverend Brother Ernest Tarcisius, on his birthday, we take a moment to pay tribute to this extraordinary leader in our time. We thank the Almighty for gifting us this angel and pray that God continues to bless him, keep him safe, provide him with happiness and good health, and support his noble cause.
Brother Tarcisius has left an indelible mark on our College journey and helped shape our alma mater into what it is today. We strive for greatness, aiming to honor his legacy, and the Annites family will forever treasure the memory of our Brother Tarcisius, today and always.