Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Azabu Church stands as a beacon of faith. It has stood here since its founding on May 3, 1882. Azabu Church started as a sub-parish of Tsukiji Church. Tsukiji Church was about 4 kilometers away in Akabanebashi. It served the increasing number of faithful people. They lived in Shinbashi, Shinagawa, and Aoyama.
The new chapel got the name “Holy Cross Chapel”. It commemorated the Discovery Day of the Holy Cross. In 1889, Father Papino rented land for the Azabu Church. He rented it from Kanda Catholic Church. The chapel in Asakusabashi had become very crowded.
A Japanese-European style church building was built. Father Papino was an excellent architect. He designed many churches like Asakusa Catholic Church. Missionaries from the Methodist Communion were also active in Azabu. Toyo-Eiwa Girls’ School had great results in its missionary work.
From March 1892, Fr. Lezey lived in Azabu Church as the first chaplain. He had published a church magazine twice a week. He had done this while chaplain of Kanda Church. So he started the same for Azabu Church. But from 1893, Azabu Church became one of the least active churches. It was a quiet parish among the six parishes in Tokyo.
In November 1892, Fr. Lezey left for Kofu and Matsumoto. His successor, Fr. Sutter, also left Azabu Church after a year. He returned to his home country. Then he entered a Trappist Monastery. The next chaplain, Fr. Guyon, left for Hamamatsu and Fujieda after two years.
The frequent changes of chaplains at Azabu Church had reasons. The Holy See wanted to educate all churches. It wanted to do this through the power of authority. This was to prevent diversity and relativism in the modern world.
In 1879, the Holy See ordered a local Conference of Bishops. It called for bishops in each mission district. In Japan, this was delayed. But in 1890, the Conference of Bishops was held in Nagasaki. It invited the Papa Nuncio in Korea.
The conference’s resolution was officially announced in 1890. It was guidance and supervision for priests, catechists, and laypeople. But this shook the churches in Japan. The Holy See’s severe policy did not consider the situation of local churches. Progressive and active priests were moved to remote parishes.
Another reason was that in 1888, a command headquarters settled in Azabu. Many officers lived there. They strongly opposed the results of the Japan-China War. Germany, France, and Russia interfered with territory issues. Their antipathy was often directed at French missionaries.
Fr. Steichen was a mild person. He thought of moving the Azabu Church. But it was impossible due to finances. So, he stayed in a gentle way. He limited activities to avoid stimulating residents.
In this way, the people of Azabu Church learned patience. They formed a family-like church community. They supported each other in simple faith. Their silent walks bore big fruits in the future. In 1921, Azabu Church became the largest church in Tokyo’s six parishes.
Today, Azabu Catholic Church has 1,773 parishioners. As of December 31, 2019, it is still an active parish. Sunday Mass is at 7:00 am and 9:30 am, all in Japanese. Weekday Mass is Tuesday to Saturday at 7:00 am. On the first Friday, Mass is at 10:00 am. There is no 7:00 am mass then. The church also has Sunday School and Bible Study in Japanese. Volunteer activities are planned by the Social Services and Welfare Groups.
Azabu Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a place where community and patience have shaped its history. Remember its story as you continue your journey.