Crypt

A place where the past and present coexist

Introduction

The word crypt means "ossuarium” in Latin. Many things from the old church have been preserved in the crypt where the ancestors are laid to rest. A large, thick pillar that connects the crypt to the main church serves as the main foundation that supports the whole church. Rising from below (crypt) to the main church symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus. 

① Stained glass on the spiral staircase  

The seven stained glasses above the altar of the old church have been moved here.    

From the left:  

1) The Nativity  

2) The Sermon on the Mount  

3) The Last Supper  

4) The Crucifixion  

5.) Victory of Christ’s Resurrection

6.) Giving Peter the Highest Authority  

7.) Ascension of the Lord  

These stained glasses are made in Belgium.

②Baptismal Font  

The baptismal font is located at the foot of the spiral staircase.     In the days of the old church, it was placed in the baptistry near the altar. The baptismal font is filled with holy water for baptism. In the old days, they used to baptize babies by immersing them in the water!  Please refer to the image     

③ Statue of Mary and children 

The statue of the Virgin Mary near the baptismal font is for children who died at an early age (without having received the sacrament of baptism). 

④ Decorative Folding Panels  

The folding panels that welcome us is the original stained glass of the main Church.  

▶ Please refer to "Stained Glass" (Yasuo Ueno)

⑤The altar of the crypt 

The altar of the crypt, which was used in the old church, is located directly below the altar of the main church. “Cross and spear", "Christ crowned with thorns" and "sponge soaked in sour wine" are engraved on white marble.  It was a gift from a parishioner in Brooklyn, New York.  

⑥ Statues on both sides of the Altar  

The statues of “The Sacred Heart of Jesus" and  "Mary Queen of Heaven” from the old church are currently placed on both sides of the altar. They were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Enry Ferrare from Texas.    

⑦ Ossuary  

There are 4,780 ossuaries in this hall. Those who have gone to heaven before us are buried there.

Directions

▶ Xavier Chapel 

▶ St.Mary's Chapel  　　

　▶ Liturgy store in Yotsuya  　　

　▶ A rest spot near the church

◀ St.Ignatius Tokyo Online Guidebook

Pipe organ

Everything is "one-of-a-kind." 

Introduction

The beautiful  sound of the organ during mass from the second floor of the main Church is a pipe organ. What kind of organ is this?

① Performer-friendly

Usually in a pipe organ, the performers face the pipes. But this church has a special arrangement where the performer faces away from the pipes. The organist can also play while looking at the altar. 

To hear a pipe organ, it is always preferable to be as far away as possible at the opposite end of the space. In the elliptical shape of the main church, it is possible to hear the sound beautifully throughout the main church from a position just along the wall. 

Now, the podium is facing the altar, isn't it? This is because the organ service cannot be performed without the altar in sight. This is why the organ was designed so that the musicians can also face the altar and participate in the mass together.

② The Best Places to Listen 

The sound of an organ changes depending on where you listen to it. Where in the sanctuary can you hear the organ's sound in the most balanced and beautiful way? 

It is in the priest's seat, which is the farthest from the front of the organ. Unfortunately, you can't sit in the presbytery, so the best place to sit is near the organ. 

And if you want to feel the bass sound of the organ, listen directly the organ. You'll experience a beautiful, amazing  sound.

③ German born

The organ was made by Jämmrich in the suburbs of Dresden, Germany. It was assembled and dis-assembled in my home country... I brought it to Japan and re-assembled it here in Yotsuya-Kojimachi.

It contains 3146 pipes of various sizes, made of metal and wood, with three hand and foot keys, and a total of 49 stops (tone types) that can be played in various combinations. 

The thinnest pipe is only a few millimeters in diameter. The tone of a metal pipe depends not only on its length, but also on its material and shape. 

If you look closely, you can see stains on the pipe. These are the remains of holy water from the blessing. And hand stains. You can't just wipe them off, so be careful not to touch with  delicate hands♪♪

④ Mass with organ and choir

Sunday 08:30, 10:00, 12:00 English, 18:00

Saturday  18:00 (Anticipated Mass)

Weekdays (Mon-Fri)

18:00 *On the first Friday of the month, organ only at 12:00

▶ Details of Mass times(Church website)

*Please note that due to the new coronavirus, the schedule of masses may have been changed. Please see the following church website for details.

⑤ Listening to the organ

Outside Mass, there are irregular events such as "Organ and Prayer Meeting" (オルガンと祈りの集い). The organist rehearses almost every morning on weekends.

Directions

◀ Main Church

　▶ Crypt

　▶ Xavier Chapel

The Main Chapel

A place that makes you feel like gazing at the  heavens and pray... ⛪️  

I. The Main Chapel

① Ceiling

Entering the sanctuary, the first thing that catches your eye is... The ceiling!

The ceiling is designed in such a way that the "eyes of those who enter the Main Chapel are directed to the heavens.

The flower petal motif is similar to Michelangelo's idea of the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, "to invite visitors to look, pray and reflect more  deeply."

The natural light that pours in from here softly fills the Main Chapel and enhances the beauty of  the flower-designed ceiling.

② The Twelve Apostles' Pillars

The twelve pillars are placed around the Main Chapel. Not only do they serve as pillars chapel, but also the names of the 12 apostles are assigned to each pillar.

The pillars, which become thinner as they go up, overlap with the flower petal skylight, creating a space that maintains and deepens the ambience  of prayer.

▶︎ "About the 12 Apostles"

③Walls and bricks

The bricks in the walls of the cathedral are made in Holland.
The overlapping and spacing of the bricks is to make it easier to hear the sound inside the cathedral. The names of the people who donated when it was built are carefully embedded in the wall at the rear of the altar."

④Pipe Organ

▶ Please refer to : To "Pipe Organ"

ll. Highlights of the Main Chapel  

①The Altar and the Tabernacle  

This altar was carved out of a single block of Spanish marble, representing the presence of the same Christ on the altar and in the Tabernacle. Spain is also the birthplace of St. Ignatius, the patron saint of the Church.

The design of the Tabernacle is that of "breaking bread". When it is opened, the inside is dug into the ground like a grotto (cave).    If you look at the base of the altar and the base of the Tabernacle, you will see that the lower part has a rough pattern, and the upper part has a fine pattern, which invites you to the "posture of prayer" like a pillar.  Photo of the inside  Altar image  Image of the altar and the Tabernacle      

▶︎What is the Holy Eucharist?

② Congregational seats

Size of the main Churchi is 700 fixed seats. Floor space of 440 tsubo(1454.55 m2... 1Tsubo ~ 3.30579 m2) 

The entire congregational area is designed in a gentle "mortar" shape.
This allows the congregation to feel close to the altar from any seat.
It also allows the priest to see the faces of the people gathered and to conduct a solemn Mass.

Here's a bit of trivia:
The highest point is the top of the mortar = the floor of the last pew... The highest point is the altar. Yes, this is a church. Altar = God is number one! That's how it's built.

③ Statue of the Resurrected Christ

At the center of the altar inside an ordinary church is usually Christ Crucified. However, at St.Ignatius Church, the usual Cross at the altar's center is replaced by a Resurrected Christ that has a special expression unique to this church.

It is made as a symbol of the rising of Christ from Death in the crypt below the main church to Resurrection seen at the Main Altar. That's why it's called the "Resurrection of Christ."

On the left side of the Church, you will see the bloody statue of Christ with crown of thorns as the Cross in the main church that  symbolizes redemption.

However, for Japanese, the image of the resurrected Christ is imbued with  gentle and loving  atmosphere that evokes a feeling of nearness or closeness to Christ  that makes the Japanese  feel at peace.

Now, let's take a closer look at Jesus.

Sharp oriental eye, oriental shoulders. Overall, he seems to be in an atmosphere of gentleness and humility, with his arms outstretched to warmly welcome people. The gentle and warm Jesus brings great healing to those who pray to him.

< The Resurrected Christ >

- Author: Shigeru Nakano
- Material: Bronze, Gold
- Description:

Mr. Shigeru Nakano is a student of the late sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi. He is a member of St.Ignatius Church.

④ Statue of Mary　　　

This work was created with a Japanese image of a "mother".
Initially, it was intended to be a "generic Madonna and Child" holding the infant Jesus.
But the priests thought, "There is only one Jesus in the main church," so they chose this statue with Jesus in the womb of His Mother, Mary.

Now, look at this hand of Mary. Why is it the only part that is colored in black?

The reason is that when we pray to Mary, people unintentionally hold Mary's  hands and pray. This is also true for Japanese people, but many believers, especially those from foreign countries, pray with their hands clasped. Different countries have different ways of praying... This statue of Mary is a symbol of the Ignatian Church, which is very multinational.

<The statue of Mary >
- Author: Shigeru Nakano
- Material: Isahaya stone from Nagasaki

⑤Confessional

A place to receive the sacrament of absolution (confession). The stained glass windows of the old cathedral have been moved to each room. This is a picture from the believer's seat in the confession room. It looks like this.

What is the Sacrament of Forgiveness? ＝What is a sacrament?"

⑥Stained Glass

■写真

▶ Go to "Stained Glass"

Directions 

▶ Crypt 

▶ Xavier Chapel

　◀ Main chapter

Bell and tower

The 🔔 sound of peace in the  centre🕊

Introduction

The sound of the bells echoes every day at Mass time. If the weather is good, it can be heard over a wide area of the city. You can hear it from next stations, the Imperial Palace and the National Stadium.

Two bells ring at Mass on the Lord's Day, and all three bells (large, medium and small) on Church feasts. Each bell has its own name. But... why "the sound of peace" ?

1. The bells were made from weapons 

The bell was a gift from Germany and is known as the "Peace Bell". The metal used to make the bells was originally German tanks and cannons used in the Second World War. Yes, they were weapons of war.  The Yotsuya bell was recast and given a new life. It is a symbol of hope and  peace. The bell is also a prayer for peace itself. For many people who live in the city centre... the sound of the bell... May your prayers be heard🙏

2. Belfry

Originally it was 41.8m high. However, during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the upper metal part of the cross hung down. Now it has a lighter and more compact aluminium cross. The present belfry stands in the same position as the old one. The belfry has the same three bells as in the old belfry. 

Photo

3. Name of the bell 

Bell of St. Ignatius  Photo

Meaning: Sophia = ΣΟΦΙΑ. Greek word. 'God's wisdom'.

Large: Bell of St. Ignatius 
Medium: Bell of the seat of Sophia 
Small: St. Teresa's bell  

4. Bell ringing time 

Old St.Ignatius Church Photo

Weekdays: 7:00am,12:00PM,6:00PM

Sunday: 7:00AM,8:30AM,10:00AM,12:00PM,1:30PM ,5:50PM 

Directions

▶ Main Church 

▶ Xavier Chapel

　　◀ St.Ignatius Tokyo Online Guidebook

St.Ignatius Tokyo Online Guidebook

Church Tour Welcome to St. Ignatius Church, Kojimachi! Please enjoy the self-guided church tour according to the table of contents in the online guidebook.  

Ⅰ.  Online Guide -Church Tour

① Bell and bell tower

② Main Church　　

　　Pipe organ 　　

　　Stained glass

③ Crypt (crypt)

④ Xavier Chapel

⑤ St. Mary's Chapel

Ⅱ. Yotsuya Tour

Why don't you pick up some rosaries, medals, and homemade sweets from religious stores around Yotsuya? You can also find recommended rest stops.  

　- A guide to the liturgical stores around the church

　- A guide to the Cafe & Restaurant around the church

Ⅲ. Church Information

🇬🇧St.Ignatius church official Website

🇯🇵St.Ignatius church official Website

　Instagram 
　Facebook 
　YouTube
　Twitter

IV. Youth Ministry (SIIYM)

　Instagram 
　Facebook 
　Youtube

Sách hướng dẫn trực tuyến Nhà thờ Thánh Inhaxiho

Chào mừng bạn đến thăm quan nhà thờ Thánh Inhaxiô! Xin hãy xem bản hướng dẫn online theo như những mục ở phía dưới đây.

I. Online Guide (Nhà thờ Thánh Inhaxiho) 

1. Tháp chuông và Chuông
2. Thánh đường chính
    Đàn ống Organ
    Tranh kính màu
3. Nhà chờ phục sinh (Dưới tầng hầm)
4. Thánh đường Saviê
5. Thánh đường Maria

II. Tham quan Yotsuya

Bạn có thử mua tràng hạt, huy hiệu Công giáo hay bánh kẹo thủ công của các tu viện tại các cửa hàng  phụng vụ xung quanh Yotsuya không? Một số gợi ý về những nơi nghỉ ngơi nữa.
     + Hướng dẫn các cửa hàng phụng vụ quanh nhà thờ
     + Hướng dẫn các quán ăn, coffe quanh nhà thờ

III. Các kênh truyền thông của nhà thờ

Tên: 🇯🇵イグナチオ教会HP

     

IV. Giáo Đoàn Công Giáo Việt Nam Tại Nhật

GIÁO ĐOÀN CÔNG GIÁO VIỆT NAM TẠI NHẬT (HP chính thức)
Giáo Đoàn Công Giáo Việt Nam Tại Nhật Bản(Facebook)          

Tranh kính màu

Giới thiệu

Mười hai chiếc kính màu dài được bố trí theo chiều dọc xung quanh thánh đường.  Nó được tạo ra dựa trên bức tranh ""Thiên đường và Địa cầu"" của hoạ sĩ người Nhật Bản Yasuro Ueno. Mỗi bức tranh mô tả ""Vinh quang và công việc của Đức Chúa Trời, tự nhiên tuyệt vời của ân sủng và cuộc sống."" từ chủ đề của Kinh Thánh.

Tất cả ""thiên nhiên"" do tạo hoá của đất trời sắp đặt sao cho một vòng ánh sáng nối liền toàn bộ hướng về Bàn thờ trung tâm của thánh đường."

① Về tác giả

-Tác giả gốc: Yasuro Ueno
-Chủ đề: Thiên đường và Địa cầu
-Giải thích: Yasuro Ueno(1926-2005). Giáo sư tại Đại học nghệ thuật Tama. Tốt nghiệp khoa hội hoạ đại học nghệ thuật Tokyo. Thành viên của hiệp hội Sản xuất mới. Chủ tịch Liên đoàn Nghệ sĩ Nhật Bản.

② Chủ đề của mỗi bức tranh gốc

Cùng nhau đoán các bức kính màu phù hợp với chủ đề nào nhé?

 
1. Mặt trăng và các vì sao: Dấu hiệu của hy vọng.
2. Cá và lưới: Sứ mệnh của người Kitô hữu chúng ta.
3. Cây: Cây ô liu. Lá ô liu trên mỏ của một con chim bồ câu. Ăn được. Làm lành vết thương. Sứ mệnh đặc biệt của Chúa.
4. Ngọn lửa: Từ thời cổ đại, ngọn lửa đã tượng trưng cho sự tồn tại của Chúa và là biểu tượng của Chúa Thánh Thần trong Tân Ước.
5. Mây và ánh sáng: Sự vinh hiển của Đức Chúa Trời và sự phục sinh của Chúa Giê-xu. Gặp gỡ Chúa Giêsu phục sinh.
6. Lúa mì: Trái cây trù phú là phúc lành của Chúa. Bánh mì được làm từ lúa mì. Bữa tối cuối cùng (Đây là mình Thầy).
7. Vùng hoang dã và đá: chúng ta được dẫn đến miền đất hứa qua vùng đất hoang vu. Vùng hoang dã luôn luôn là nơi gặp gỡ với Đức Chúa Trời.
8. Hoa dã quỳ và con đường: Những bông hoa nở trong thiên nhiên ca ngợi Chúa.
9. Bầu trời và các loài chim: Chúa Giê-su dùng chim trời làm ví dụ để dạy về sự tin cậy vào Đức Chúa Trời.
10.  Nước: Rửa tội bằng cách sử dụng nước, là nguồn gốc của sự sống. Một dấu hiệu của một cuộc sống mới.
11. Sấm sét và mưa: Tiếng sấm là biểu hiện của ý muốn của Đức Chúa Trời. Một biểu tượng của sự đau khổ và cái chết trên cây Thập Giá.
12. Nho: Rượu làm từ nho là gợi ý kiểu Tiệc ly được thiết lập trong Bữa Tiệc Ly (Đây là máu Thầy).

Lộ trình

▶ Nhà chờ phục sinh (Dưới tầng hầm)

　　◀ Đàn ống Organ

　　◀ Sách hướng dẫn trực tuyến Nhà thờ Thánh Inhaxiho