Why is this church called St. Ignatius Church? This impressive structure before you is more than just a place of worship. It embodies faith history and community. It’s Kojimachi St. Ignatius Church.
Kojimachi St. Ignatius Church is a Catholic church in Tokyo’s Kōjimachi district. The church is also known as the Kōjimachi Catholic Church. The church got its current name on April 17 1949. It is dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Archbishop Peter Tatsuo Doi led the dedication ceremony. Kojimachi St. Ignatius Church has a close tie with the Jesuit Sophia University. It stands near Yotsuya Station.
Before Kojimachi St. Ignatius Church existed a different Catholic church stood here. It was named Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus. Sadly an air raid in 1945 destroyed it. For a while the Sophia University Jesuit chapel served as the Kōjimachi church.
The first St. Ignatius Church was designed by Jesuit architect Ignatius Gropper. This early building finished in 1949. It was a wooden structure for 500 people. Construction of the current St. Ignatius Church began in May 1995.
The present St. Ignatius Church features an oval shape that symbolizes life and resurrection. Its floor area spans 1450 square meters. Twelve columns represent the twelve apostles. Twelve stained glass windows display nature themes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the church provided boxed lunches. These bento boxes helped people in need.
Hermann Heuvers was the first pastor of St. Ignatius Church. He was a German Jesuit scholar and playwright. He remained an honorary pastor until he passed in 1977. Heinrich Dumoulin a Jesuit theologian and Zen Buddhism scholar is buried here. He died in 1995.
Kojimachi St. Ignatius Church has a large congregation. As of December 31 2019 it had 17152 members. Masses are held in Japanese English Portuguese Spanish and Vietnamese. Polish and Indonesian services also take place.
The church’s history reflects key moments. In 1949 the church marked the 400th anniversary of St Francis Xavier’s arrival in Japan. His holy arm and small cross were displayed. Seven thousand people attended the Eucharistic Assembly after World War II.
In 1960 Archbishop Peter Tatsuo Doi became Japan’s first Cardinal. A celebration was held here at St. Ignatius Church with 1500 attendees. A pipe organ from the Netherlands was installed. It was first played on August 15.
Today St. Ignatius Church continues to serve as a vital spiritual center. It welcomes people from all backgrounds. The statue in the main chapel shows Christ’s resurrection. He extends his hands in a welcoming gesture. This symbolizes the church’s open invitation to all.