Before visiting the church. Tour etiquette and basic knowledge [Hidden Christian-related heritage sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa regions]

[What is a church?]
The word church often means ``a house or building of prayer,'' but it also means ``a gathering or community of believers in Christ.'' In Nagasaki Prefecture, there are 133 churches (chief church, circuit church, etc.) that make up 72 parishes, making up the "Diocese of Nagasaki."
There are 16 such dioceses in the country, but Nagasaki, where 14% of the nation's Catholics gather, is the ``Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki,'' which is led by an archbishop. After the Meiji period, early churches had a plaque on the front that read "Cathedral," but this was because foreign priests appropriated the Chinese spelling for the god "Deus" and called it "Cathedral." It was called the Cathedral.

[What is Mass]
The Sunday when Christ was resurrected was designated as ``The Lord's Day,'' and the ``Last Supper'' and other rituals commemorating his death and resurrection began to be held. This is the modern Mass, and it is an important ritual for believers to become one with Christ by receiving the bread (Holy Eucharist), which is the body of Christ.

[Major church holidays]
The Catholic Church has a liturgical calendar that commemorates the life of Christ throughout the year. The main one is Christmas (December 12th). Easter Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. Ascension of the Lord Six weeks after Easter. Seven weeks after Easter, Pentecost. Eucharist of Christ = 25 weeks after Pentecost. Easter is the centerpiece of all feast days, including the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 6th.

A church is a ``sacred building,'' a place of prayer that has been cherished and passed down by the faithful from generation to generation, and a ``house of God.'' If you plan to visit, please check the "Church Etiquette" before coming to the church.
The church receptionist (church custodian) will confirm the number of visitors, etc., and will also inform you of precautions to be taken during your visit, so please be sure to speak to the church receptionist when you arrive at the church. Please also say hello to us when you leave.

○Please take off your hat inside the hall.
○Please observe quietly, especially inside the hall. (Please observe as quietly as possible outside the hall.)
○Photography inside the hall is prohibited.
○Please do not enter the fence, the chancel (altar area), or the music gallery on the second floor.
○Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking inside the hall.
○Please use the restroom in advance at the nearest public restroom or "Roadside Station."
(In case of an emergency, you may also use the restroom for believers.)
○Please refrain from entering the hall while under the influence of alcohol.
○Please be sure to close the entrance door when leaving.
○Please do not touch anything inside the hall (personal belongings such as Bibles).
*Please note that you may be asked to refrain from entering the church when church events such as mass, ceremonial occasions, etc. are being held.

Q: Are there any things I should be careful about when it comes to clothing?
A: You are free to dress as you please. However, in the summer, you need to be careful about wearing clothing that exposes your skin, extremely short skirts, and shorts. It's okay if you have a cardigan or something, and in any case, it's within common sense.

Q: Are there any things I need to be careful about inside the church?
A: Eating, drinking, smoking, and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the church building. Also, be sure not to touch items inside the church (sacred ritual items, decorations, etc.) unnecessarily. Please note that only the clergy are allowed to enter the raised ``inner sanctum'' where the altar is located, so please do not enter.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: There is no problem with taking pictures of the exterior, but as a general rule, taking pictures inside the church is prohibited. Please record what cannot be captured with a camera on the film of your heart.

Q: I am not a believer, is it okay to attend mass (worship)?
A: It will be a very good experience, so if you are interested, please come and join us. However, Mass is an important ritual for believers. Please attend with solemnity and refrain from joining or leaving the venue midway through. Check the mass times of the church you want to attend in advance, andWould you like to experience mass?We recommend that you check.

Q: My heart was healed at church. I would like to thank you for something...
A: The church has an offering box where visitors can express their gratitude. How about putting that feeling into this?


■Inquiries about Nagasaki Pilgrimage
Nagasaki Pilgrimage Center TEL:095-893-8763

Nagasaki Prefecture is home to 12 of the 11 constituent properties certified as "Hidden Christian-related heritage sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa region." Churches have been built in eight of these villages, and you can enjoy visiting nine of them, including Oura Cathedral.
Many of the churches were built after the lifting of the ban on Christianity, and are notable for their diverse styles, which are a fusion of Western techniques, including Gothic, and traditional techniques of Japanese carpenters. There are various construction methods, such as brick churches, wooden churches, plaster walls, and churches built by piling up local stones. Some of the interior decorations, such as stained glass, feature camellias, which are common in Nagasaki, giving you a sense of the region.

From the 17th to the 19th century, people in the Nagasaki/Amakusa region secretly continued their faith despite fearing severe oppression under the ban on Christianity. Believers known as "Hidden Christians" have built their own culture in the absence of missionaries.
If you want to know more about the story of hidden Christians, check out this special feature!