Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Intrigued by whispers of a hidden gem, our journey brings us to Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Japanese Catholic community in Los Angeles. Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church’s story began not within these walls, but with a letter. In 1912, a Japanese war veteran, Kumataro Hatakeyama, found himself isolated in a new city, longing for spiritual solace. Unable to find a Japanese-speaking priest, he wrote to Bishop Alexander Berlioz in Japan, requesting an unconventional confession – by mail. The bishop declined, but promised to send a priest. That promise brought Father Albert Breton to Los Angeles. He celebrated the first Japanese Mass in California on Christmas Day, 1912, marking the humble beginnings of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The church’s namesake, St. Francis Xavier, the first Christian missionary to Japan, embodies the spirit of this unique parish. His unwavering faith and dedication mirrored Father Breton’s as he tirelessly worked to establish the mission, bringing in recruits from Japan, opening a school, and founding a convent. Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church weathered many storms. The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II threatened to extinguish the community, but the Maryknoll Fathers, who had taken over the mission in 1920, stood by their flock. They provided comfort and aid to those in the camps, preserving the embers of faith during a dark time. After the war, they welcomed the community back, helping them rebuild their lives and their church. Father Hugh Lavery, a key figure in this effort, was later honored by the Japanese government for his compassionate service. Over the decades, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church continued to evolve, facing declining enrollment and shifting demographics. Yet, it remained a beacon for the Japanese Catholic community. In 1995, it transitioned to the Japanese Catholic Center, adapting to the changing needs of its parishioners. Today, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church stands as a living testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering spirit of a community.