Catholic Minonoura Church

Overview

Minonoura Church is a Catholic church located in Kikyushu-machi, Goto-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture. It's one of the most beautiful churches in the Goto Islands. The history of the church in Minonoura dates back to the late Edo period, when hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan) migrated from the Omura domain. While outwardly appearing as Buddhists, they secretly practiced their Christian faith. In 1866, learning of a church in Oura, Nagasaki, the Minonoura believers went to Nagasaki and met with Bishop Petitjean, receiving medals and crosses. However, on December 25, 1868, while the Minonoura believers were praying, they were raided by officials, and many were arrested. Seven years after the abolition of the anti-Christian edict, in 1880, the Minonoura believers built their first church on a small hill overlooking Minonoura Bay. However, the church deteriorated due to the sea breeze and was rebuilt in 1938. The existing Minonoura Church was designed and constructed by the master craftsman Yosuke Tetsukawa. Originally, Tetsukawa planned to build a church in Unzen, but due to various circumstances, the materials were transferred to Minonoura Church, resulting in the current structure. Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, this elegant white church boasts a unique architectural style blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Japanese elements, and is the largest wooden church in its size. The interior is full of highlights, including beautiful stained glass and a rib vault ceiling. On the hilltop, there's a statue of Johannes Goto (one of the 26 Martyrs from Goto) and traces of imprisonment from the persecution era, allowing visitors to experience the history and faith of the Goto Islands. Minonoura Church is a recommended sightseeing spot where the beautiful nature, history, and faith of the Goto Islands come together.