Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tokyo (Agenzia Fides) – The new church recently opened in Chofu, part of the Japanese capital of Tokyo, stands out in the neighborhood for its architectural style and its bell tower with a cross mounted on top, equipped with two Italian-made bells. It will be a visible sign of a small community that contemplates, celebrates, and testifies to the Gospel of Charity. The church, dedicated to Saint John Bosco and ministered to by Salesian missionaries, was consecrated in a Solemn Mass presided by Archbishop Peter Okada Takeo of Tokyo, who expressed his great joy for the event, and his hope that the new church in Chofu may become a center for spreading the Gospel.
Before the Mass, there was a preparatory ceremony organized by the Pastor, Father Stephen Fujikawa Nagaki, that included the presentation of the keys of the church, talks on the work process, and words of gratitude to the architect and the construction company. Later, the parish choir and Salesian youth in formation sang in the Mass that was concelebrated by some 30 priests and attended by over 600 faithful who crowded in the new church to pray and give thanks to the Lord.
According to the Salesian Info Angency (ANS), work on the complex began in 1994, however the process went slowly due to various difficulties and a lack of funds. Finally, after further efforts on the part of parishioners and the Salesians, the spacious and luminous church has finally been constructed and will become a center for catechesis, evangelization, and charitable activities.
There are about 1,300 faithful from the area surrounding the parish that participate in the Sacraments and attend the Bible Study courses with regular frequency. There have also been solidarity campaigns begun in Japan, as well as activities in support of the mission ad gentes. The Church in Chofu also has a Salesian seminary, a Youth Center, and a oratorio for boys. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/7/2008)
