The establishment of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong was a result of the ambitious missionary zeal of the Capuchin Fathers in the Philippines .
The Capuchin Fathers arrived in the Phlippines in 1886. They first settled in Intramuros and later in Quezon City . It was during this time that the Ortigas family was under their spiritual guidance. In grateful appreciation, the Ortigas family offered the Fathers assistance and facilities. With this, the Order entered into a contract with Ortigas Company and acquired a three-hectare lot along Shaw Boulevard , Mandaluyong.
In May 1957, the Very Reverend Father Adolfo de Echavarri, the Superior of the Capuchins, laid the cornerstone for the new building an L-shaped
structure, a combined parish and school. On October 4, 1958, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi , the new parish was opened to the faithful by his Eminence, the late Rufino J. Cardinal Santos.
In 1959, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong started with a hundred students in Grades One to Four with Fr. Gregorio Giocochea as the first Head master.
The 70's saw the rise of the St. Francis Church and the construction of the new high school building, a new canteen, an airconditioned library, a swimming pool, and a 521-seat air conditioned auditorium.
The 1980's marked more improvements. With the support of the PTA, the school was able to construct the shower dressing rooms near the playground, the extension of the canteen, and the covered walk leading to the swimming pool area.
In July 1986, a second floor was added to the High School building and additional facilities were provided.
The old gymnasium gave way to the Pax Et Bonum Building which was inaugurated last February 8, 1991. This Building houses the Prep. and Grade One classrooms, the Grade School Library, Technology and Home Economics classes and the Guidance, PTA office, Faculty room and the gymnasium.
During school year 1996-1997, two projects were completed with the involvement of the PTA - the deep well water project and the full-airconditioning of all classrooms in both the high school and the elementary buildings. A multi-purpose hall with a tennis court on top was constructed alongside the covered walk going to the canteen during school year 1998-1999. Giving in to the demand for kindergarten classes, two kindergarten sections were also started in the school year. Part of the high school library was set aside for several computer units connected to the internet via cable for the use of both faculty and students.
Thus , in less than 50 years, LSM has become an educational landmark having graduated, countless Lourdesians who have lived in the Franciscan spirit of minority, poverty, brotherhood and unselfish service inspired by the Gospel.
