On April 1, the 2025 entrance ceremony was held at the Tokyo International Forum. As last year, the ceremony was held in two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. This year, 2,795 undergraduate students, 590 graduate students, and 10 midwifery students were enrolled.
The ceremony began with music by the Sophia Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by a blessing by Father Antonius Firmansyah, S.J. (morning session) and Father Yosuke Sakai, S.J (afternoon session) of the Catholic Jesuit Center, who read a passage from the Bible “The Gospel according to Matthew” and the Sophia Choir and Sophia Glee Club performed the choruses.
In her address, President Miki Sugimura expressed that, “There are many different ways to learn. Of course, it is important to acquire knowledge and language skills, but what we truly hope for is that you will be empowered to use that knowledge, whether that it be through creativity, critical thinking that considers matters from multiple perspectives, or the ability to express and communicate that knowledge, and furthermore, the ability to deploy that knowledge to achieve your individual missions. Our greatest wish is that your studies will be meaningful and tailored to your individual needs, and that you will be able to use the knowledge you acquire to become the leaders of future society.”
In the address by Freshman Representative Mr. Ryusuke Yoritaka (Master’s Program in Theology / Morning Session) said, “I would like to continue learning so that my knowledge can empathize with people’s pain and serve as a force to build a hopeful future together.” Ms. Risa Suzuki (Department of Economics / Afternoon Session) expressed “I will keep the spirit of ‘For Others, with Others’ close to my heart and work together with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and environments to make even a small contribution to the world.”
Chancellor Sali Augustine, S.J. then expressed, “Pope Francis has designated 2025 as a year marked with “special opportunities to seek forgiveness and reconciliation”. It is also the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and His Holiness has proclaimed 2025 a Jubilee Year with the theme of Pilgrims of Hope in the face of difficult situations such as conflicts and wars, human rights violations, and environmental problems occurring around the world. I would like you all to become pilgrims of hope and solidarity. I sincerely hope that your studies will empower you and enrich your own lives, and that you will become people who serve others and contribute to a peaceful society.”
Following Mr. Minoru Yonezawa, Chairperson of the Sophia University Parents’ Association, then extended his words of encouragement to the new students, “As you learn the Sophia University’s educational spirit,“For Others, With Others”, I hope that you will seize various opportunities to take on challenges proactively and learn actively, fostering the wisdom to live boldly in a society with increasing uncertainty.’ .”
And then, the Sophia Philharmonic Orchestra performed, and the Sophia Amadeus Choir, Sophia University Choir, and Sophia Glee Club sang alma mater to close the ceremony.
Click here for the full text of President Sugimura’s ceremonial address.
Click here for the full text of Chancellor Augustine’s congratulatory address.
