Oura Tenshudo Oura Cathedral

Let's find out more! Oura Cathedral

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  Monument commemorating the discovery of believers

  Two statues of Mary associated with the discovery of believers

  On March 1th, about a month after the founding of Oura Cathedral, the Urakami believers who had been hiding for about 3 years disguised themselves as Buddhists but had deep faith in Christ came to visit the church. .
  
  Then, he approached Father Petitjean who was praying inside the cathedral.
  After whispering, "I'm a nerd, you're onaji."
  “Where is the statue of Santa Maria?” I asked.
  
  It is said that Father Petitjean was overjoyed and led them to the statue of Mary.
  
  This statue, which witnessed this unique event in the history of world religions, has since been called the ``Statue of Mary Discovering the Believers,'' and it is still displayed on the side altar on the right side as you face it.
  
  Also, the statue of Mary placed in the center of the entrance was a gift from France to commemorate the big news that was spread all over the world that there were many believers in Japan.
  
  Both statues of Mary convey the long and difficult history of Christianity in Nagasaki, and the splendor that has been passed down through the people's deep faith.

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  Statue of Our Lady of Japan

  Two statues of Mary associated with the discovery of believers

  On March 1th, about a month after the founding of Oura Cathedral, the Urakami believers who had been hiding for about 3 years disguised themselves as Buddhists but had deep faith in Christ came to visit the church. .
  
  Then, he approached Father Petitjean who was praying inside the cathedral.
  After whispering, "I'm a nerd, you're onaji."
  “Where is the statue of Santa Maria?” I asked.
  
  It is said that Father Petitjean was overjoyed and led them to the statue of Mary.
  
  This statue, which witnessed this unique event in the history of world religions, has since been called the ``Statue of Mary Discovering the Believers,'' and it is still displayed on the side altar on the right side as you face it.
  
  Also, the statue of Mary placed in the center of the entrance was a gift from France to commemorate the big news that was spread all over the world that there were many believers in Japan.
  
  Both statues of Mary convey the long and difficult history of Christianity in Nagasaki, and the splendor that has been passed down through the people's deep faith.

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  The main gate that is believed to be from the time of its construction

  Daimon at the time of its founding

  As soon as you enter the hall, look back.
  
  The double doors on the inside were repaired during the restoration work in 14, but they are from the time the building was first built, and they were in the same location.
  
  The heavy door is an inconspicuous shadow due to the glow of light shining through the stained glass, but it is also the door that watched over the historic moment when the believers were discovered at Oura Cathedral.

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  Father Petitjean's tombstone

  The resting place of Father Petitjean, a man of merit

  As you walk down the central aisle to the main altar, you will notice a wax stone tablet set into the wall on the right.
  
  This is actually the tombstone of the late Father Petitjean, who built Oura Cathedral, discovered the descendants of the old Christians in this church, and revived the Japanese Catholic Church.
  
  Although it is not well known, Father Petitjean's body is placed in the basement, directly below the altar.
  
  When you visit Oura Cathedral, be sure to pray for Father Petitjean, who witnessed a miracle in the history of world religions, the discovery of believers in Nagasaki.

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  Nationally designated important cultural property: Former Luoten Seminary/The inside of the building is used as a Christian museum.

  Another building you can’t miss is the Old Luodian Seminary

  The three-story wooden building to the right of the cathedral is the former Luodian Seminary, which was established by Father Petitjean in response to the abolition of the ban on Christianity for the purpose of training Japanese clergy.
  
  It was designed and constructed by Father de Rotz, who was the chief priest of the Sotome region of Nagasaki City, which is known as a Christian village, and is a simple and practical structure that incorporates plenty of Western architectural techniques.
  
  It has as much historical value as Oura Cathedral, and is the highest level of Western-style architecture in existence in Nagasaki.
  
  Currently, it is open to the public as the Oura Church Christian Museum.
  
  Materials related to Christianity owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki are on display, and you can see many historically important materials.
  
  [Oura Cathedral Christian Museum]
  https://christian-museum.jp/

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  The reason why the word “Cathedral” was put up

  Even now, and even if you look at photos of Oura Cathedral at the time of its founding, you can still see the words ``Cathedral'' written in Japanese on the front.
  
  Oura Cathedral was originally a Catholic church built for foreigners living in foreign settlements, and when the First Oura Cathedral was built, there were no Japanese believers in the church as Christianity was prohibited.
  
  However, the reason why Japanese characters are posted is that the Holy See, which had a desire to re-proselytize Japan, established a new church dedicated to the 26 saints in the holy land of Nagasaki after the opening of the country, and resumed missionary work. , because they wanted to rediscover Japanese believers if possible.
  
  In other words, the Japanese character ``Cathedral'' was a message to the Japanese believers who might exist.
  
  And as if in response to that intention, the hidden Christians in Urakami were discovered.