カトリック調布教会

Nestled amidst the remnants of the Musashi Plain, about 1.2 kilometers north of Chofu Station, lies the カトリック調布教会 (Chofu Catholic Church). This isn’t just any church. It’s a vibrant hub, deeply intertwined with the Salesian order and dedicated to St. John Bosco. The story of Chofu Catholic Church begins not within its walls, but with the arrival of the Salesian Seminary in Chofu in 1950. The Salesians, with their focus on youth education, established a youth center alongside the seminary. This center became a magnet for young people and their families, some of whom embraced Catholicism. This small community initially operated as a sub-parish of Setagaya Church. Then, on October 6, 1967, Chofu Catholic Church officially became an independent parish, entrusted to the Salesians by the Archdiocese of Tokyo. Today, Chofu Catholic Church boasts a congregation of 1,649 parishioners. The church grounds encompass more than just the sanctuary. There’s Don Bosco Hall, the youth center, a baseball field, a soccer field, the memorial chapel of Father Vincenzo Cimatti, and even the Father Cimatti Museum. The spirit of Father Cimatti, a pivotal figure in the Salesian mission in Japan, permeates the church. Arriving in Japan in 1926, Father Cimatti touched countless lives with his gentleness, musical talent, publications, and dedication to youth. He nurtured many young Japanese who later became priests or embraced the Christian faith. The Second World War brought immense sorrow to Father Cimatti. He mourned the loss of many seminarians and brothers he had mentored, sent to the war front never to return. After the war, his focus shifted to helping child victims. He spearheaded the creation of orphanages and schools. His legacy lives on at Chofu Catholic Church. The church’s dedication to youth education and various charitable activities reflects his enduring influence. A yearly bazaar, meticulously prepared by church organizations and volunteers starting in July, exemplifies this spirit. The bazaar, held on the last Sunday of October, funds various youth programs. So, as you stand before Chofu Catholic Church, remember it is more than bricks and mortar. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith, education, and service. It is a place where the spirit of St. John Bosco and the legacy of Father Cimatti continue to inspire, echoing through the community and beyond.