ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - “I will make the university a place where young men and women prepare to face the challenges of modern society and globalisation”, said the new rector of Seoul Catholic University a major reference point for education in South Korea

Tuesday, 5 July 2005

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Seoul (Fides Service) - John Bosco Sohn Byeong-du, president of the Korean Lay Apostolate Council, has been appointed rector of the famous Sogang Catholic University in Seoul opened by Jesuit Fathers in 1959. Sohn Byeong-du was chosen from among other candidates for his high cultural profile, concrete pastoral experience and excellent qualities as an administrator.
Sogang University is one of the leading collages in the country. It was established by the Jesuit Fathers to offer education which would be in keeping both with the principles of Catholic doctrine and with the Korean culture. The aim of the university, appreciated by Catholics and non Catholics, is the all round human and spiritual growth, development of potential and talents so that each person is able to serve the society and the nation. The plan for commitment in the field of education was approved by the Holy See in 1948 and after the Society of Jesus obtained legal recognition in Korea in 1956, the Jesuits purchased a piece of land in Seoul and the college was opened in 1959.
Sohn Byeong-du’s appointment will be ratified in a ceremony in mid July at the University in the presence of the Korean Minister for Education.
“I will make the university a place where young men and women prepare to face the challenger of modern society and globalisation”, said Sohn Byeong-du.
The appointment of the new University rector comes this year when the Jesuits are marking the 50th anniversary of their presence in Korea. The anniversary will be celebrated with symposiums, seminars, academic meetings, as well as spiritual events and liturgies. These initiatives aim to highlight the contribution offered by the Society of Jesus towards the growth of Korea and its people in the last half a century.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/7/2005 righe 27 parole 278)