Japan’s Kanda Church marks 100 years with appeal for solidarity and hope

The Catholic Kanda Church celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sept. 16, where Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo issued an appeal for solidarity and hope in the face of global crises.

Sep 19, 2024

By Mark Saludes
During his homily, Archbishop Kikuchi reflected on the challenges faced by early missionaries and Japanese Christians, especially during the persecution of Christians in the 19th century. 

“The mission of missionaries is to live the gospel and bear concrete witness to it and spread it, but I think the difficulties in accomplishing this at the time were beyond our imagination,” he said, paying tribute to the efforts of those who helped re-establish Christianity in Japan.

He also expressed gratitude to the pioneers who played key roles in the foundation of Kanda Church. “I would like to express my heartfelt respect for the efforts of the missionaries at that time who sowed the seeds of the gospel again in Tokyo,” the Archbishop said.

The prelate reflected on the evolving role of Kanda Church in contemporary society. He raised the question of how the Church, as a key institution in the Tokyo Archdiocese, should address the challenges of today’s world and fulfill its mission in the face of ongoing global issues.

He highlighted the widespread despair and selfishness seen in the world today, exacerbated by the pandemic and ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the coup in Myanmar. 

“What has become of the deepening darkness? It is the spread of selfishness based on the desire to protect oneself and the spread of despair with no clear future, and despair has robbed the world of hope,” the Archbishop noted.

Archbishop Kikuchi highlighted the importance of mutual support in navigating these challenges. He emphasized that hope emerges through helping one another, especially in times of crisis, and underscored the critical role of community in overcoming difficult circumstances.

In line with Pope Francis’ declaration of the upcoming Holy Year as a “Pilgrim of Hope,” Archbishop Kikuchi explained that the Church must work to bring hope to a world in need. 

“Perhaps it is because he believes that the Church, which proclaims hope to the world, should be a pilgrim, in order to create hope that will break through the darkness of despair,” he remarked.

Archbishop Kikuchi explained that, although material assistance is essential, hope cannot be provided in the same way as tangible goods. 

He pointed out that hope arises from within individuals, especially those facing despair, and encouraged the Church community to cultivate hope by fostering meaningful encounters and mutual support.

Archbishop Kikuchi also addressed the ongoing synodal process, which seeks to reflect on the Church’s identity and mission. 

He emphasized that the Synod is about “the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we listen, share, and pray together,” and he called for collective discernment in determining the Church’s direction.

The prelate urged the Kanda Church community to continue their shared journey, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, prayer, and support. 

He encouraged the community to remain united, listening to one another, embracing differences, and working together to create a church built on mutual assistance and hope.--licas.news