In 1911, Reverend Mother Marie Louise de Meester founded the Missionary Canonesses of St. Augustine (later renamed Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (“Immaculati Cordis Mariae”).
Four years later, on June 1, 1915, she opened the first St. Theresa’s College in the Philippines. Together with her fellow (Flemish) Belgian nuns, she offered education for women that was grounded on strong discipline and the traditions of the old Continent.
In 1980, after sixty-five years, STC Manila was closed to enable the congregation to render missionary work and the campus site was sold to Adamson University’s Vincentian Fathers. By that time, STC Manila had been home to 6,329 secondary and college graduates who, in various capacities, became highly regarded for their Theresian ideals and strong work ethics.
At A Glance: St. Theresa’s College, Manila
| 1915 | Opening of St. Theresa’s College Manila on June 1, at San Marcelino, as “Santa Teresa’s Hall”, with 25 grade school pupils |
| 1925 | Development into “St. Theresa’s Academy” |
| 1929 | Development into “St. Theresa’s College”. Founding of STAA Manila |
| 1941 | Suspension of classes in December, subsequent to the Pearl Harbor bombing (College ’42 graduated in August of that year) |
| 1942 – 45 | Closing of the school due to World War II. The campus was used as army headquarters of the Japanese Occupation forces. |
| 1945 | Reopening of the school at various rented structures (the Ismar Compound owned by Maria Orosa (the liberation hero), and Isabel Tiaoqui, located at Juan Luna Street, two houses fronting St. Joseph Church, and one building on Solis Street) in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila. This area was among the first parts of Manila to be liberated by the Americans after World War II. |
| 1946 | Resumption of classes and return to 920 San Marcelino |
| 1966 | Transfer of college department to Quezon City |
| 1977 | Start of phase-out of STC Manila |
| 1980 | Completion of phase-out of STC Manila. Transfer of STAA Manila office to STC,QC |
| 2010 | Organization of St. Theresa’s College Manila Alumnae Foundation, Inc. (STCMAFI) |