Entrance

Statue of St. La Salle & Two Children

Artist : Aureli

Perhaps this is the best known and widely used of all statues of our Founder seen here instructing two children. The original, made of marble, is in the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Rome.

Our copy originally fronted the old La Salle College building, near the top of the steps.

The Founder seems to be pointing to Heaven as if to remind us “that above is our true home.”
This statue must have been commissioned by the Founder of the College, Br. Aimar. It was and is a well known school landmark.

The Two Water Fountains

Flanking the statue of St. La Salle, as they were in the old school, these two stone fountains have become a favourite resting place or look-out perch for birds. 

Original Foundation Stone

This foundation stone is an important heritage link with the origins of La Salle College.

The stone is made of granite. The inscription is as follows:

IHS
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
THIS FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID BY
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR
SIR WILLIAM PEEL KBE CMC
ON WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 1930

Among those present at the stone-laying ceremony were Mgr. C. Costantini, Apostolic Delegate to the Chinese Government, Mgr H. Valtorta, Vicar Apostolic of Hong Kong and the Honourable J. P. Braga, a member of the Legislative Council and an Old Boy of St. Joseph’s College.

It may be interesting to note that Governor Peel visited the College again on Sports Day on 5th April 1932 and had this to say:

In my long experience with education in East Asia, I am in no way surprised that La Salle College has already got 700 students, because I am not aware of any other institution or professional body which has achieved greater success in the field of education than the Brothers.

The sacred monogram at the top of the stone IHS are the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek. It is a suitable introduction to the desire that this building be dedicated to the glory of God.

Sir William Peel was Governor of Hong Kong from 1930 to 1935. 

The Flaming Torch

This is one of six which graced the entrance to the old building. They were placed between the columns of the front portico.

It is a symbol of learning and the quest for knowledge. It also suggests the warmth in the human heart, the goodness of light keeping the evil of darkness at bay.

We are to pass on the torch of learning and the light of God’s truth to succeeding generations.

Another smaller flaming torch can be seen atop the rear entrance to the College. This is one of several which were stationed at the first landings leading from the side entrances to the G/F and also leading to the field.

Bust of Br. Aimar

In 1966, the mortal remains of Br. Aimar were returned to the College and placed in a vault under a Bust of Br. Aimar previously erected in 1962. Br. Aimar had been exiled to Vietnam after the fall of Hong Kong to the Japanese and died there a few years later far from his beloved La Salle College.

Br. Michael Jacques, Assistant Superior General, kindly agreed to go through the procedures necessary to bring back the remains to La Salle for suitable interment in a place of honour in the College.

The remains were placed in an urn and personally carried by Br. Michael on the flight to Hong Kong.

A bust of Br. Aimar had been sculpted and the remains placed in a granite vault underneath and bearing the inscription “Si monumentum requiris circumspice”, that is “If you are looking for a monument to this great man, just look around you at this mighty College which was his creation.” The original quotation comes from Sir Christopher Wren, builder of St. Paul’s London. The location was one of the two courtyards of the College.

When the old school building was about to be pulled down to give way to the new, the remains of Br. Aimar were transferred to the Brother’s vault in the Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley. The bust was retained to occupy a place of honour in the school foyer.

Plaque to mark Opening of New School Building

The stone is made of marble.

The inscription is as follows:

FOR THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OF YOUTH

THIS NEW BUILDING OF LA SALLE COLLEGE
WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVENEROR
SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE GBE, KCMG, KCVO
ON FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 1982

Among the large and distinguished gathering at the laying of the Foundation Stone was the Superior General, Br. Pablo, his Councillors Br. Pedro and Br. Jose, Br. Michael Jacques, Visitor, Bishop John Baptist Wu, Sir Albert Rodrigues and Mr. Li Ka Shing.

Sir Murray MacLehose was Governor of Hong Kong from 1971 to 1982. 

Plaque to mark Blessing of New School Building

This marble stone was blessed by Bishop John Baptist Wu who later became a cardinal of the Catholic Church. The inscription is as follows:

FIDES ET OPERA

THIS BUILDING WAS BLESSED BY
THE MOST REVEREND
JOHN BAPTIST WU CHENG CHUNG
CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG
ON WEDNESDAY 6TH JANUARY 1982

Bishop Wu is fondly remembered as a man of God, a true shepherd of his flock.