On August 6, 2024, the anniversary of the atomic bombing, Hiroshima University held the “Harmonies of Peace: Walking with Father Pedro Arrupe” at the Higashi-Senda Campus in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, as part of its 75+75th Anniversary Commemorative Project and Peace Initiative.

This year’s event was attended by approximately 70 international students from 14 countries taking part in the university’s Summer Program, as well as around 20 university presidents from abroad who participated in the University Presidents for Peace Conference. In total, the event drew an audience of around 200 people, including Hiroshima University students, faculty, and staff.

After the opening remarks by President Mitsuo Ochi, the first part of the program featured a mini peace concert performed with string instruments (violin, cello, viola) made partially from A-bombed trees and fragments of buildings damaged by the atomic bombing. Through the sound of these instruments, the audience shared a collective moment of reflection for peace.

The second part was a lecture on the life and contributions of Father Pedro Arrupe, who survived the atomic bombing and devoted himself to the care and aid of other A-bomb survivors. The lecture was delivered by Father Keisaku Shionoya from the Nagatsuka Monastery for Jesuits and Associate Professor Yosuke Sakai from Sophia University’s Department of Theology. They talked about Father Arrupe’s transformative experience as an A-bomb survivor and his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work.

At a time when suspicion and hostility toward foreigners were on the rise, Father Arrupe’s integrity, spiritual purity, and unwavering apostolic energy remained steadfast. Despite being imprisoned on charges of espionage, his compassion never faltered. Immediately after the atomic bombing, he opened the Jesuit novitiate and, utilizing his medical training, provided tireless care to many victims. Participants listened attentively to the story of Father Arrupe’s dedication to peace, devoting himself to the service of others even under the most extreme circumstances.