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Principal’s Message

Neil Alweyn (Principal)

As we approach the end of the school term, I have found myself reflecting on the wonderful opportunities that being Principal of Kolbe Catholic College afford me. In addition to walking alongside the world’s most beautiful students and committed staff, I have been fortunate to connect with the culture of our College and our patron saint, Maximilian Kolbe. Next week, I have the privilege of traveling to Japan with our Japanese Teacher, Kyohhei Futaki to not just visit our sister school Keio Futsubu School, but also to walk in the footsteps of Kolbe.

Many people are unaware of the legacy that Kolbe left in Japan, and part of his ministry saw him spreading Christianity and supporting local communities. When Kolbe arrived in Nagasaki in 1930, he arrived with a mission of setting up a monastery to propel his effort in spreading the Good News. An interesting fact that I was only made aware of this week, thanks to the research of our new Vice Principal Peter Jones, was that by pure chance, the choice of location of Kolbe’s monastery in Nagasaki inadvertently saved thousands of lives when an atomic bomb destroyed the city in 1945.

Kolbe founded the ‘Garden of the Immaculate’ or ‘Mugenzai no Sono’ monastery in the outskirts of Nagasaki, and its location was chosen for many reasons. These included the historical significance as one of Japan’s most Catholic regions, as well as beautiful gardens and grottoes. His strategic decision had profound implications for the city’s Catholic population. As it was in the city’s remote outskirts, surrounded by tall hills, its position inadvertently protected the monastery from the devastating effects of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. While the explosion destroyed much of the city, the monastery survived, which then became a refuge for survivors of the blast. 

Kolbe’s ministry in Japan is a testament to his innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to his faith. His work not only contributed to the growth of Christianity in Japan but also provided solace and support during one of the darkest periods in the city’s history. Today, the Mugenzai no Sono monastery stands as a tribute to St. Maximilian Kolbe’s life and mission, and I feel privileged that I will get to walk the same footsteps as our College’s patron saint on my upcoming visit. I leave you with a short video clip of a pilgrim who has recorded his reflections of Kolbe’s influence on the city of Nagasaki while filming from the Garden of the Immaculate’. Finally, I wish you and your families a safe and restful holiday break at the end of next week. 

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