Sophia Magazine vol.7 / SUMMER 2018

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Catholics to Protestants, Anglicans, Muslims, Bahá’ís, Jewish people, and others. I lead and participate in several organi-zations actively promoting interfaith dialogue. Although I am not one to vehemently oppose the separation of church and state, I also think some politicians go too far. They often say that religion is private, but I do not agree. Religions are social and a crucial component of civil society, even if they are separate from the state. We need to know about different religions to know each other. It was a pity the old Catholic religious classes were stopped in Luxembourgish schools in-stead of taking the opportunity to create classes that intro-duce all religions.”Archbishop Hollerich emphasizes international academic exchange programs as an indispensable way to bring peo-ple of diverse backgrounds together. He highlights the im-portance of Sophia’s exchange student agreement with the University of Luxembourg, noting that top students at the University of Luxembourg are especially eager to participate in Sophia’s Summer Session in Asian Studies. He hopes to see increased study abroad opportunities between Japan and Luxembourg because of the important lessons on harmony that each country can convey. “When you live in Japan for a long time, you begin to truly understand the importance of harmony. We must strive for more harmony in Europe, especially given recent develop-ments that are driving us apart. We need to learn to under-stand the other side and to never condemn. Japan values harmony over confrontation, and I think that is an impor-tant message to spread to the world.” Luxembourg also holds an important lesson on harmony due to its internationality. Only 54% of the country’s roughly 590,000 residents are Luxembourgers, while 46% have other nationalities. In addition, nearly 180,000 people com-mute into the country daily for work while living in neigh-boring nations. “I think it is important for people to see such a uniquely diverse society holding together, living in peace and harmony, and thriving. I especially think that is good for Japanese students to see since it is a more insular situation in Japan.” Archbishop Hollerich notes that Japan and Luxembourg have excellent relations that have been strengthened in re-cent years. “Japan has a very positive reputation in Luxem-bourg for being productive, professional, and technologically advanced. Although Luxembourg is a small country, it has a Japanese embassy.”Archbishop Hollerich believes that the longstanding rela-tionship between the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg and the Imperial Family of Japan has been a boon for Ja-pan-Luxembourg relations. “Although politicians come and go, these excellent relations ensure strong stability in our countries’ ties.” Archbishop Hollerich’s visit occurred in con-junction with the state visit to Japan of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. His Royal Highness the Grand Duke attended several events with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.“Sophia has played a special role in furthering Japan-Luxembourg relations,” says Archbishop Hollerich. In 2012, Sophia established its first office abroad in Luxembourg. The following year 2013, the ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sophia University was attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Félix and Princess Claire of Luxembourg. Sophia has also conferred honorary doctor-ates upon former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and recently to His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri. Archbishop Hollerich treasures his time spent at Sophia. “It was difficult for me to leave Japan, but I could not re-ject the call to serve in my country. However, I still consider Sophia to be my home. I know that when alumni and for-mer staff come back to visit the university, even if they see changes in the people and buildings, it is still home.” Archbishop Hollerich urges students to have dreams and pursue them with determination, including through their studies. “You might end up doing something completely dif-ferent from what you originally thought, but the act of hav-ing and working toward your dreams will help you shape your future. I hope that your dreams include building on what you have learned to make a difference in your country and around the world.”Lessons on Harmony from Japan and Luxembourg Japan-Luxembourg Relations and the Sophia ConnectionSophia as a Stepping Stone to the World19Sophia People