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austraLasia #2198


Consecration of new Parish Church, Chofu

TOKYO: 14 July 2008 -- The new Parish Church at Chofu was consecrated on Saturday 12th July, at 11 am.
The first stage was begun in 1994, but limited funds only allowed for the construction of the Parish House and Hall which was then used as a Church.  Finally, thanks to not a few sacrifices by parishioners and the Province, a beautiful roomy and light-filled Parish Church has now been built.
    Archbishop Peter Takeo of Tokyo presided at the Mass and Consecration which was preceded by the handing over of the keys, various reports on the progress of the work and of course thanks to the architect and all those responsible for the edifice. This kind of protocol can at times be a bit heavy, but on this occasion it was lightened up by the artistic and poetic creativity of the Parish Priest, Fr Stephen Fukikawa Nagaki sdb.
    The aspirants and others in formation joined in with the Parish choir to provide a solemn and impressive ceremony, a moving moment for the 30 or so concelebrants and more than 600 parishioners who filled the church to overflowing.
    The event was followed by an unforgettable fraternal 'agape' in the large hall of the Formation House at Chofu.  Everyone, but especially visitors from nearby parishes, willingly and happily breathed in the Salesian fraternal atmosphere, something which more than one remarked would not be easily forgotten.
    Dedicated to Don Bosco, the new church has an artistically designed bell tower surmounted by a large cross.  It has two bells, made in Italy. They well remind neighbours and passers-by, almost all of whom are non-Christians, that this is the place to gather, pray and celebrate.
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Title: australasia 2198
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces GIA Chofu
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2198