In the final week of last term, Mr Alweyn and Mr Futaki had the pleasure of travelling to Japan to visit our sister school, Keio Futsubu School, and to trace the footsteps of Saint Maximillian Kolbe.
Warmly welcomed at Keio Futsubu School, Mr Alweyn and Mr Morikami, his Principal counterpart, signed a formal agreement between our two Schools. This agreement, signed on the eve of the 10 year anniversary of the partnership, solidifies the already strong relationship between the two schools, ensuring our exchange programs will continue for years to come.
While in Japan, they also visited Nagasaki, discovering the lasting legacy left by Kolbe during his time there (1930-1936). While in Japan, Kolbe built a monastery and seminary, with the seminary still there today as St Mary’s Knight High School. He also published a monthly issue, “St Mary’s Knight”, and taught Christianity and philosophy to the Japanese people. While visiting the two Kolbe museums in the area, they were able to gain a physical sense of connection with Kolbe, through the wooden desk, chair and robe he used during his time in Japan. Mr Alweyn and Mr Futaki were fortunate to meet with Mrs Suyama, whose family has preserved relics from Kolbe’s time in Nagasaki, receiving a certificate of appreciation from Pope John Paul II.
