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
