吉祥寺教会

In the heart of Musashino City, nestled near the bustling Kichijoji Station, lies the Kichijoji Catholic Church, also known as 吉祥寺教会. A beacon of faith and community, Kichijoji Catholic Church has served as a spiritual haven for thousands since its inception. Did you know the church’s roots trace back to 1935? In that year, two Society of the Divine Word missionaries began their work in Tokyo, renting a house in Nishiazabu. Kichijoji Catholic Church itself formally separated from the Takadanobaba Church in February 1949. By the year’s end, a parishioner hall had been erected, serving as a temporary chapel until the present church building was completed in 1954. The church quickly became a cornerstone of the community. It has over 3,000 registered parishioners. The convenient location near Kichijoji Station made it accessible to many. The church offers several Mass services throughout the week. Saturday evenings at 5:00 pm, Sunday mornings at 8:30 am and 10:00 am, and again on Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm, the faithful gather for worship. Kichijoji Catholic Church hasn’t been without its trials. In December 1973, a fire caused by a neighboring house damaged part of the church, rendering the pipe organ unusable. Reconstruction began in April 1974, coinciding with renovations to accommodate liturgical changes following the Second Vatican Council. Through fires and renovations, Kichijoji Catholic Church continues to thrive, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community in the heart of Tokyo.