This establishment was founded in 1750 by the Paulist Mother de la
Trinidad, a nun of the Tertiary Order of St. Dominic. She arrived
in Manila the preceding year, whither she had resolved to come
from the Peninsula, desirous of consecrating herself to the good of
others. Being convinced that the greatest service she could render the
public was to establish an educational institution, she immediately
took steps to carry out her holy work, and in a short time by her
ardent zeal she secured sufficient funds for the establishment of a
retreat, where she supported on charity a certain number of native
young women for the purpose of educating them in the fear of God, in
Christian doctrine, and in all exercises suitable for a woman. This
was done so that, whether they left the retreat of their own will
and married or remained therein, they would develop strong moral
principles.
His Majesty has taken this college under his royal protection,
and the regent of the Audiencia supervises it in his name, with the
corresponding powers.
The spiritual direction is, at the present time, entrusted by the
archbishop to the very reverend Fray José Corujedo, former provincial
of the corporation of St. Augustine.
Up to January 26, 1866, the education of the girls was in charge
of elderly ladies, of well-known education and virtue, who acted as
teachers; but, on this date, by superior order, the sisters of charity
undertook the direction of the institution, which they discharged to
the satisfaction of all. [164]