07In 1908, three Jesuit priests received an order from Pope Pius X to establish a university in Japan. The three priests were of various nationalities, including German, French, and English. They were well versed not only in Western studies but also in Eastern culture and thought, and devoted themselves to the establishment of the university while learning Japanese language and its culture. The spirit of Sophia University, which was conceived as a university open to the world, transcending national, linguistic, and academic boundaries ever shince its establishment. After overcoming many hardships, Sophia University opened its door in 1913, with only 15 students.The origin of Sophia University can be traced back to St. Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Society of Jesus, a Catholic order. In 1549, Xavier came to Japan as a missionary and highly praised the intellectually curious qualities of the Japanese people, requesting the Jesuits establish a university in the Japanese capital as a center for cultural and ideological exchange. However, Japan subsequently entered a period of Christian prohibition. While it seemed as though Xavier’s dreams would go unrealized, a 350-year lapse reignited the momentum needed.Wisdom from Across Countries and CulturesEstablishing a Universityin the “Miyako” of JapanHistory of Sophia University
元のページ ../index.html#8