ホーム ジェラルド・バリー初代学長より銀祝生へのメッセージ
Greetings and congratulations to Class XII of Sophia Junior College on the 25th anniversary of their graduation.
I am very sorry that I cannot be with you again at Hatano on this happy occasion. Because of a previous arrangement I cannot attend your celebration. Therefore I am writing this note.
As I write this greeting, a flood of memories comes to mind. The memories are all pleasant and heartwarming. All my recollections of Sophia Junior College and its graduates are beautiful. I remember:
－ The splendor of the Hatano campus in autumn
－ The view of Mt Fuji covered with snow
－ The cheerful chattering of the girls as they got on and off the school bus
－ The quiet, serious atmosphere in the classroom
－ The laughter and excited voices in the cafeteria
－ The patient calmness of the students on their long commute to Hatano
－ The celebrations we had in Maria Dormitory
I welcome this chance to send this message to you as it gives me an opportunity to express my appreciation for what you have done. Let me thank you for making Sophia Junior College a great institution. Let me thank you for so many pleasant memories.
I hope your association with Sophia Junior College will not end after 25 years. The happiness you had when you were students was a great gift. I hope that this happiness will continue to grow and you can share it with your family, friends, workmates and society in general. Japan and the world certainly need your happiness and the hope that goes with it.
It was a privilege to know you. Please stay in touch. If someday you happen to be in Yotsuya, stop by St Ignatius (Kojimachi) Church to say hello. I would be delighted to see you again.
May God continue to bless you, your aspirations, your family and friends.
Gerard Barry
October 22, 2011