History of Catholic Motomachi Church


Catholic Motomachi Church has an old history along with YamanoteChurch in Yokohama and Ohura Church in Nagasaki. In 1860, atemporary church was built by the Paris Evangelical Missionary Societypriest MermetCachon and was dedicated to the Immaculate Conceptionof the Blessed Virgin Mary. The present church was constructed in 1924after the Hakodate Great Fire of 1921. Gothic architecture characterizesits magnificent interior, which is quite rare among cathedrals in Japan. Allthe statues including the central altar were made of wood in the Tiroldistrict of Italy (now part of Austria) and were sent to this church byPope Benedict XV.

�@In the central part of the altar, there is a tabernacle, above which you can see Jesus Christ on  the cross whogave his life in sacrifice. Depictions of Mother Mary and His disciple John gaze at   Him from the sides of thecrucifix. “For this reason am I loved by the Father, because I give up   my life so that I may take it again.” (John,Chapter 10:17)

�A The statue on the right side of the crucifix is St. Peter, to whom Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heavenand made him the head of church. Then when they had   taken food, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son ofJohn, is your love   for me greater than the love of these others?” He said to him, “Yes,   Lord; you are certain ofmy love for you.” He said to him, “Then, give  my lambs food.” (John, Chapter 21:15)

�B The statue on the left side of the crucifix is St. Margarita, the 17th   century Catholic saint, to whom Jesusmade God’s grace manifest.   This depiction is called, “Sacred Heart of Jesus.”    “Greater love has no man thanthis; that a man gives up his life for his   friends.” (John, Chapter 15:13)    
“I am the good keeper of sheep: the good keeper gives his life for the     sheep.” (John, Chapter 10:11)

�C The big statue on the right side is St. Francisco Xavier, who, in the   early 16th century, was the first tointroduce Christianity to Japan.   Since his missionary activities were mainly in India, this picture depicts  the sceneof the baptism of an Indian boy.   “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to everycreature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;   but he that believeth not shall be damned. And theywent forth, and   preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the  word with signs following.Amen. ”      (Mark, Chapter 16: 15,16,20)

�D The big statue on the left side is St. Michael, whose name means   “Who is like God?” It is said that since theday of St. Francisco Xavier’  s arrival in Japan was the celebration day of St. Michel, this saint became a guardianangel of Japan.

�E Two pictures at the lower part of the altar depict the scenes of Abraham’s life who believed in the one and onlyGod. In the right picture,   Melchizedek, who was the priest of the Most High God, is shown bestowing a　blessingon Abraham. The bread and wine he offered at that   time became a symbol of the offering of Jesus　Christ.

�F The picture on the left side portrays the scene of Abraham about to   offer the life of his only child to God.  (Genesis, Chapter 22)  
This event is similar to God the Father’s love as shown when He gave   His only begotten Son to the world.  (TheFirst Epistle of John 4:9 )

�G The relief on the table in front of the altar is the Last Supper with   Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples. Andhe took bread and, having   given praise, he gave it to them when it had been broken, saying, “This is my body,which is given for you: do this in memory of me.” Likewise also the cup after   supper, saying, “This is the newtestament in my blood, which is shed for you"    (Luke, Chapter 22:19,20)


This altar is the central feature of the mass, which is conducted for the purpose of observing Jesus  Christ’swords and commemorating his death. Priests bestow a blessing on the bread and wine and as a pabulum(nourishment of both body and spirit). They have them together with believers in Jesus Christ.
In addition to the central altar, you can see two smaller altars on both sides of this cathedral. On the left, you cansee the statue of the “Sacred Heart of Jesus”, which symbolizes Christ’s love. On the right, you can see thestatue of Mother Mary to whom this church was dedicated.






　　The Stations of the Cross on the wall




　　　　







　　These statues are called “The Stations of the Cross”, describing a series of events starting fromthe scene of Jesus’s　being sentenced to death, up to his to rest. Some events are based on the Bible;others aretaken from old legends of the　church. The first station begins at the right side of the central altar and the last(14th) station ends at the left side.
Each　statue shows the expressive face of Jesus Christ which appeals to us and moves the believers to pray.





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