Dedication Mass in commemoration of the 61st anniversary

of the founding of the school

- Prayer of thanks for those who have committed themselves to Sogang throughout our 61 -

On Friday, April 16th, at 7:30 pm, a Mass was dedicated to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the founding of the university at Saint Ignatius House. This Mass was held by Chairperson Park Munsu together with President Sim Jong-hyeok, Rev. Daniel A. Kister, Professor Emeritus of the English Department, and Dean Kim Sang-yong of Sogang Campus Ministry Affairs. It was prepared as an occasion to remember and celebrate the winners of the Special Awards and Achievement Awards who dedicated themselves to the development of Sogang, and also served as an alternative to the 60th anniversary event that could not be held last year due to COVID-19. The Mass was attended by Jesuit priests including Rev. Dominic Woo Jae-myung of the Society of Jesus, Executive Vice President Song Tai-kyong of Academic Affairs, and Executive Vice President Kim Soon-kee of Research & External Affairs. It was also attended by about 40 school staff members, alumni, and students in compliance with the quarantine regulations. 

▲ Chairperson Park Munsu celebrating Mass

Before the start of the Mass, Chairperson Park Munsu said, “I hope, through this Mass, we can remember and thank those people who worked hard to found Sogang University and the many who have contributed to the development of Sogang to date, as well as all those who give themselves to further facilitate research and studies at Sogang currently.”

▲ President Sim Jong-hyeok preaching at the Mass

In his sermon, President Sim said, “With the various challenges and tasks we face today, we need to reflect on ourselves often to see whether any complaints are building up from within, overwhelming us with the weight of the difficulties. Based on the trust that we are following the will of God in Sogang’s self-examination and growth, and if we are grateful for the grace that the Lord has given us and are willing to share it with others while facing reality, I believe that the Lord will surely bless our small efforts with richer grace.” He delivered a message of hope to the Sogang family to move forward together and encourage one another.

In addition, in celebration of the 61st anniversary of the school's establishment, there was also a time to pray for Sogang faculty, staff, and students. In the prayer, a blessing was said so that the academic efforts of each professor could bear greater fruit through cooperation and sharing and so that students could find their intrinsic beauty and become members of society who love their neighbors and the world.

▲ (From the left) Rev. Daniel Kister and Brother Anthony (An Sonjae)

After Mass, staff and student representatives delivered bouquets and gifts to Rev. Daniel Kister (Society of Jesus) and Brother Anthony (An Sonjae) (Taize Community) who won the 60th anniversary Special Award last year. The two professors devoted themselves to the development of the English department, and in particular, in recognition of their educational and service achievements including the establishment of Saint Ignatius Night School (Professor Emeritus Daniel Kister) and contribution to the globalization of Korean literature (Professor Emeritus An Sonjae), they were selected as recipients of the 60th anniversary Special Award last year.

▲ Sogang Alumni Association Chairman Kim Kwang Ho

Chairman Kim Kwang Ho, who represents the Sogang Alumni Association, said, "The alumni association always remembers the gratitude for the Society of Jesus that founded and has led Sogang University. I am honored and grateful to have been invited on this precious occasion.”

At the end of the 61st anniversary Mass, Dean Kim Sang-yong of Campus Ministry Affairs said, “We remember all the students and professors who are the owners of the school, the staff members and teachers who serve behind the scenes, and all of the alumni who have been part of the Sogang community so far. Thank you for being with us this evening.”