Catholic Kurosaki Church

Overview

Catholic Kurosaki Church is a Catholic church located in the Outer Sea district of Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Under the guidance of Father de Rot, a French missionary who contributed to industrial development and social welfare in the Outer Sea district during the Meiji era, the site was developed in 1897, and the church was completed in 1920. The church's architecture is characterized by its imposing brick structure. Inside, the sanctuary, built brick by brick by parishioners as a testament to their service and sacrifice, is breathtaking. The light filtering through the stained glass creates a beautiful and serene atmosphere, infusing the space with a sacred feeling. The church also offers a stunning view of the Sumōnada Sea, providing visitors with a powerful sense of both history and majestic nature. Kurosaki Church is also known for its role as a setting in Shusaku Endo's novel, *Silence*. In the novel, the location of the church is depicted as a place where people of faith (Kakure Kirishitan – hidden Christians) faced severe persecution during the period when Christianity was forbidden in Japan. Comparing the fictional world of the novel with the actual church setting might lead to new discoveries. When visiting Kurosaki Church, take some time to immerse yourself in the church's quiet atmosphere and experience its profound history and faith.