A deacon who had come looking for a cure in Goa, after being cured of his ailment wanted to give this land something in gratitude. His gift was the establishment of St. Joseph High School in Arpora in the year 1887, which also happens to be the first English high school in Goa.
Fr. Lyons is said to have been suffering from a skin ailment and to cure it he traveled all across India. Finally someone advised him to go to Goa, where a particular spring with medicinal properties might cure the disease.
He was told that the spring was located in siquerim and after finding it. He bathed in its waters, it is said that his ailment was cured. Fr.Lyons wanted to do something for the land and its people in return to show gratitude.
He decided to setup an English Medium School. After finding an appropriate location in Arpora, the school was established, it was also the first school to impart education in English. Today a bust of Fr. Lyons stands at the entrance, honoring his memory.
