I was born in the city of Muenster, Germany. That is the city in which the 30-Year-War was ended with the "Westphalian Peace Treaty". My birth place is therefore an indication of the international apostolate I was destined to be engaged in.

I joined the "Society of Jesus" (Jesuits) in 1963, when I was 20 years old. After studying philosophy, I was sent to Japan in 1967. After Language School and a short stint at Eiko High School, I studied theology at Sophia University. I was ordained at St. Ignatius Church in 1974. Then I was sent to Georgetown University in Washington D.C to study Linguistics. After returning to Japan, I taught at Rokko High School in Kobe, and at Taisei High School in Fukuoka. Then I served as principal at St. Capitanio Girls' High School in Seto, near Nagoya. Finally, I was in charge of the financial administration of the Jesuit Province of Japan.

As of Easter 2017, I am Associate Pastor of St. Ignatius Parish. Among other tasks, I was entrusted with the pastoral care of the International Community at St. Ignatius Church.

I am looking forward to working with you all.

~ Guenther Kerkmann, SJ