Gazing upon the Santo Tomas Gakuen Kyoto Convent, a hush falls over our group. This unassuming building holds centuries of stories. It whispers tales of faith, persecution, and resilience. The Dominican Order, founded in 1206, established this sanctuary. Their official name, “Ordo fratrum Praedicatorum,” reflects their dedication to preaching. They are also known as the “Blackfriars,” due to their distinctive black cloaks. Here in Kyoto, their presence marks a chapter in a global narrative. The Dominican presence in Japan dates back to 1592. Juan Cobo, arriving from the Philippines as an emissary, met with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Tragically, his mission met with difficulties in Taiwan. Later, in 1602, five Dominican members landed on Japanese shores, beginning their mission in Nagasaki. They eventually established the “Rosary of the Holy Mother Church” in Kyoto in 1606. Sadly, persecution forced them to leave just a few years later. Despite the ban on Christianity in 1612, Dominican friars continued their ministry in hiding, risking capture and death. Some of the most famous figures of the Dominican Order, such as Thomas Aquinas and Albertus Magnus, have shaped theological thought for centuries. The Santo Tomas Gakuen Kyoto Convent stands as a quiet testament to their enduring legacy in Japan. It reminds us of the power of faith and the remarkable journey of the Dominican Order across continents and through time.
聖ドミニコ会聖トマス学院京都修道院
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