Have you ever wondered about a church that started in a kindergarten auditorium? That’s the story of the Catholic Kameari Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward.
The Catholic Kameari Church has a rich history. In December 1955 a religious house and kindergarten were founded. The auditorium served as the church’s first chapel. It was a humble beginning for what would become a dedicated parish.
In August 1957 it became a sub-parish. It was then under the Mikawashima Church. After 14 years it achieved parish status in 1971. This marked a significant step for the growing congregation.
The chapel moved from the auditorium to a prefabricated house. Finally in 1991 a new chapel was built. Parishioners and the Franciscan Missionary worked together. This united effort created a dedicated space for worship.
The kindergarten separated in 1990. It joined the St. Kolbe Educational Institute. This shift allowed the church to focus on its spiritual mission.
The Conventual Franciscan Missionary founded the church. St. Francis of Assisi inspired them. He emphasized poverty in spirit and love. This resonated during a time of secularization. St. Francis sought to rebuild the church. He wanted to revive its original Christian spirit.
Fr. Maximilian Kolbe played a crucial role. He started the mission in Japan. In 1930 he arrived in Nagasaki. One month later he published “Militia Immaculata”. This Catholic magazine was in Japanese.
In 1931 he built “The garden of Immaculate Mother”. It served as the mission’s headquarters. After six years Fr. Kolbe returned to Poland. He was arrested twice by the Nazis. He died in Auschwitz. He sacrificed himself for another prisoner.
Fr. Kolbe’s life reflected St. Francis’s spirit. He devoted himself to the Lord. John Paul II canonized him in 1982.
Today Catholic Kameari Church is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. It continues its mission. It celebrated its 30th anniversary as a parish in 2001. It also marked 10 years of the present chapel.
From 30 members it has grown. Now it has 390 parishioners. They walk together in faith. They are a family of St. Francis of Assisi.
The church offers various services. Sunday Mass is at 9:30 am. A rosary prayer precedes it at 8:55 am. Weekday Masses are also held. They are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 6:15 am.
The Catholic Kameari Church also has a Sunday School. It takes place on the second Sunday. A Bible Gathering is on Fridays.
The church’s bell tower bears words of prayer. They are from St. Francis of Assisi. “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” This phrase encapsulates the church’s guiding principle. It’s a call to live in harmony and faith.