The Université catholique de l'Ouest pays tribute to the Japanese victims of tsunami

More than one hundred persons gathered on march 23rd at the Université catholique de l'Ouest to pay tribute to the victims of the recent Japan tsunami. Because the Uco welcomes, since sixty years in partnership with 20 Japanese universities, Japanese students, the 2010-2011 promotion list was there to share a moment of emotion and meditation. The ceremony, lead by the president of the Uco, the reverend Guy Bedouelle, associated dozens of Japanese students as well as others of many nationalities and host families from Angers.


In order to point out the common sorrow for the disaster, the university planned a ceremony with flags, songs and rituals both Japanese and French. Prayers and invocations on behalf the Uco and the students were distinguished by seriousness and the feeling of precariousness of man in front of natural forces. "If the euphoria of prosperity has been destroyed by the catastrophy, there is now room for hope", said the officials of Uco to the Japanese students who each held a lighted candle.


After a common salute between celebrants and assistance according to Japanese tradition, full of respect and dignity, the assembly went away in silence and peace.