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.
