Parishioners from Santa Clara Church Visited US



The parishioners from Santa Clara Church, Oxnard, California came to the Kanda Church on April 15, 2004.

Father Richard Benson and 28 parishioners met us after visiting the Tokyo Cathedral and St. Ignatius' Church.
They held Mass at the Kanda Church.


Father Richard Benson

Almost 50 people were organized under Father Richard Benson four years ago to visit sacred places, but they could not decide where to visit.

Finally they decided to come to Japan in the Far East since
a man among them got married with a Japanese woman.

Praying to the same God together with people who have a totally different culture and background was a new experience for them, but they were filled with happiness and felt sympathy to our religious faith.

　　　　　　
　　Preaching and praying		 　　　　　　　'Peace be with You' embracing

            Holy Communion
Parishioners were pleased to honor
the relics/remains of St. Francis Xavier which Father Inagawa held in his hands.

Father Inagawa presented the cards of St. Mary and the medallions which he blessed.


They felt at home and comfortable at the Kanda Church
as it is a completely Western-style building which they were familiar with.



The memorial photograph with Father Inagawa.
Their guide said, "Why not say 'HI! SUSHI-TEMPURA!' instead of 'HI! CHEESE!' and they laughed.



　　The parishioners who were explained about the bulletin board which shows the announcement of the prohibition of Christianity
lasting until February 24, 1873.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Relaxing space
during the trip

Taking a memorial photo with St. Mary

They were sightseeing in Asakusa in the same evening
and went to Akita, Sendai, Kyoto, Nagasaki and Hirado.
In Akita, they were going to see 'St. Mary in Sorrow'
which was shrined by 'Seitai-Hoshi-kai' or
'The Party of servicing for Communion'.


We are welcome all those who come to our church
to pray to the God together regardless of the countries, areas, cultures appreciating the God's blessing.


→Link to St. Clara Church　　　　　


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(We are allowed to carry the photographs by the parishioners.)