Seoul (Fides Service) - The Prepositor general of the Society of Jesus, Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach is in South Korea to take part in celebrations to mark the 50th year of Jesuit service in that country. On the occasion Fr. Kolvenbach will announce the institution of a new Province of Korea, the 82nd Jesuit Province in the world. Today the Jesuits are present in South Korea only, but they hope soon to return to serve the people in the north of the peninsula.
On September 1 in Seoul, Fr. Kolvenbach will preside a solmen Mass during which some new members of the Society will make their perpetual vows. In South Korea at present there are 136 Jesuits: 83 priests, 38 students, 3 Brothers and 20 novices.
Initiatives to mark the anniversary include symposiums, seminars, academic meetings as well as spiritual events and liturgical celebrations. Each initiative, the Korean Jesuits say, will demonstrate how the Society of Jesus has contributed to the progress and development of the Korean people. For example it was the Jesuit Fathers who opened Seoul’s famous Sogang University 1959 whose high quality curriculum respects Catholic doctrine and Korean culture. The aim of the college, renowned for the quality of the instruction offered, is all-round development of human and spiritual potential and talents to enable graduates to become responsible citzens fully active in the life of society for the progress of Korea.
Other countries in this area where the Jesuits have communities include China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Macao-Hong Kong and Australia. The Fathers are involved mainly in education with 27 primary schools, 4 technical training institutes and 20 universities forming a total of about 70,000 pupils and students.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/8/2005 righe 26 parole 263)