Our Chofu Church
We are empowered by our unwavering trust in the teachings of the Lord, and wherever we come together under the Holy Spirit, unity and harmony will come. Please join us at Chofu Church and experience the power of the Lord together in your daily life. Our church doors are open to everyone. Please feel free to come to church even if it is your first time.
A church that inherits the spirit of the pioneer Father Cimatti
The Salesian Sisters are a religious order of the Catholic Church. Its founder was Don Bosco, an Italian priest active in the 19th century, who devoted himself to educating poor young people in particular, based on his conviction that "all young people can be saved."
The Salesian Order has inherited Don Bosco's educational philosophy and is engaged in educational activities that maximize the potential of each and every young person.
The pastoral care of Chofu Church is entrusted to this Salesian Order.
History of Chofu Church
Chofu Church was founded in 1950 when the Salesian Seminary was opened at its current location. As the purpose of the Order is the education of young people, a youth center was also established at the same time, and some of the children who gathered there and their parents were baptized. At the time, this small community began as a branch church of Kitami Church. In 1967, the Salesian Order was entrusted by the Tokyo Diocese and separated from Kitami Church, and Chofu Church was born as a parish.
Supporting Youth Education
In addition to the church, the premises include the Don Bosco Hall, a baseball and soccer field, the Cimatti Memorial Church, and the Cimatti Museum. Due to the above objectives and history, Chofu Church is actively involved in supporting youth education. Together with Salesian priests and seminarians, we run a Sunday school, the largest event of which is a summer camp, and also support a bazaar run by the parishioners.
We continue our activities, encouraged by the words of a Korean priest introduced by Sono Ayako: "The wonderful joy of helping others should not be kept to yourself. Let's ask for help, little by little, from many people."
A church that inherits the spirit of the pioneer Father Cimatti
Father Vincentio Cimatti, a pioneer of Salesian missionary activities in Japan, came to Japan in 1926 at the age of 46. He guided many Japanese people through his innate kindness, musical talent, publishing work, and training of Japanese priests. During World War II, he faced the trial of losing many young Japanese seminarians and monks whom he had trained for 10 years on the battlefield, and he shed tears for each and every one of them. Led by Father Cimatti, the Salesian mission after the war placed the salvation of children first, and established schools to accommodate war orphans, as well as junior and senior high schools, trained new Japanese priests, and revived the publishing work, putting its activities back on track. The current activities of the Salesian Congregation and the five churches in the Tokyo Diocese, including Chofu Church, are an extension of this. Father passed away in 1965 at the age of 86.
He was called to God after a noble life. In 1991, his virtues were recognized and he was given the title of Venerable by the Holy See. His body is placed in the basement of the Cimatti Memorial Church and is open to the public. You can also visit the archives to remember his virtues. The members of Chofu Church are inspired by the joy of having such a role model on the same premises and continue to work hard in their faith and missionary work, following in their footsteps.
A church that inherits the spirit of the pioneer Father Cimatti
Father Vincentio Cimatti, a pioneer of Salesian missionary activities in Japan, came to Japan in 1926 at the age of 46. He guided many Japanese people through his innate kindness, musical talent, publishing work, and training of Japanese priests. During World War II, he faced the trial of losing many young Japanese seminarians and monks whom he had trained for 10 years on the battlefield, and he shed tears for each and every one of them. Led by Father Cimatti, the Salesian mission after the war placed the salvation of children first, and established schools to accommodate war orphans, as well as junior and senior high schools, trained new Japanese priests, and revived the publishing work, putting its activities back on track. The current activities of the Salesian Congregation and the five churches in the Tokyo Diocese, including Chofu Church, are an extension of this. Father passed away in 1965 at the age of 86.
He was called to God after a noble life. In 1991, his virtues were recognized and he was given the title of Venerable by the Holy See. His body is placed in the basement of the Cimatti Memorial Church and is open to the public. You can also visit the archives to remember his virtues. The members of Chofu Church are inspired by the joy of having such a role model on the same premises and continue to work hard in their faith and missionary work, following in their footsteps.
Chimachi Museum
In addition to the church, the premises include the Don Bosco Hall, a baseball and soccer field, the Cimatti Memorial Church, and the Cimatti Museum. Due to the above objectives and history, Chofu Church is actively involved in supporting youth education. Together with Salesian priests and seminarians, we run a Sunday school, the largest event of which is a summer camp, and also support a bazaar run by the parishioners.
We continue our activities, encouraged by the words of a Korean priest introduced by Sono Ayako: "The wonderful joy of helping others should not be kept to yourself. Let's ask for help, little by little, from many people."
Our Father
Chief Priest of Chofu Church
Father Hitoshi Yamanouchi / Baptismal name: Angel
Born in Japan, he moved to Argentina with his family when he was seven years old. He became a Salesian in Argentina, was ordained as a priest in 1987, and returned to Japan at the end of 1993. Since returning to Japan, he has served as pastor at Himonya Church, Saginuma Church (now Tsuzuki Church), Hamamatsu Church, Tatebayashi Church in the Saitama Diocese, and Honjo Church, and has been the parish priest of Chofu Church since April 1, 2024.
Many things have changed dramatically, such as changing from a small community to a larger one, the language of mass and prayer, and changing from a pastoral ministry that mainly dealt with foreign parishioners to one that now deals with Japanese parishioners, especially young parishioners.
Here in Chofu, we are beginning to feel the wind of the Holy Spirit through various charisms. I entrust myself to the project that God is trying to carry out here, and I ask for the intercession of the Virgin Mary so that I may walk together with all of you who come to Chofu Church, especially the young people and the various foreign nationals.
Motto: "Use me" Mother Teresa
Favorite Scripture: "My peace I give to you" John 14:27
Rector of Salesian Seminary
Father Haruyama Rapp / Baptismal name: Michael
He came to Japan as a boat person from Vietnam in 1983. He was ordained as a Salesian priest and pastored at Tetela Church in the Solomon Islands. He returned to Japan and is currently working to develop young members.
Motto: Freedom
I am a happy person. Now I can interact with young people of foreign nationality and young members. I am also happy to have members to work with. It is fun to dream with the people I am involved with in my free time. (Maybe I am just imagining things! lol)
Favorite scripture:
"You give them something to eat" (Mark 6)
Director of the Cimatti Museum
Father Giovanni Marsilio / Baptismal name: John the Apostle
When I came to Japan, Father Cimatti welcomed me in Chofu. Four years later, I saw him off to heaven in Chofu. After that, I was assigned to places around the country, including Beppu, Miyazaki Hinata Gakuin, Shimoigusa, and Yotsuya, and I also spent three years at the Vatican.
In 2019, I was appointed director of the Cimatti Museum, and since then I have felt even closer to Father Cimatti.
I have taught catechesis wherever I have been assigned. I am still working hard to hold study sessions. Please come and join us.
On the 6th of every month, we hold a mass in hopes of Father Cimatti's intercession, so please attend this too. We also ask for your prayers and campaigns for Father Cimatti's beatification.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.v-cimatti.com/
Motto: "Know yourself and conquer yourself" (Father Cimatti)
Favorite Scripture: "Please, I want to see Jesus" John 12-21
Vice Rector of Salesian Seminary
Father Shoichiro Nakata / Baptismal name: Joseph
...In preparation...
Catholic missionaries and the Japanese authority on the study of the Holy Shroud
Father Gaetano Compri / Baptismal name: Gaetano
I've been living in Japan for 70 years now!
I have been involved in the field of education for many years, including as the principal of Salesio Junior and Senior High School. I have compiled what I have learned there into books on human studies, as well as catechesis, a biography of Father Cimatti, and a book on the Shroud of Turin.
Even now at the age of 95, he continues to hold various study sessions and also posts on YouTube.
I don't know how long I can continue, but if it is God's will, I would like to respond. Please pray for me that I can do so.
Salesian Seminary
Father Antonio Takei / Baptismal name: Antonio of Padua
...In preparation...
Salesian Polytechnic Chaplain (Religious Head)
Father Daisuke Kitagawa / Baptismal name: Joseph
...In preparation...
Salesian Seminary Brother
Monk Naokatsu Takeshita / Baptismal name: Joseph
...In preparation...
Chofu Church's sanctuary (bell)
A modern church in Chofu, with a sophisticated form and texture
The multi-layered roofs and spires stretching towards the sky are a symbol of religious faith.
Natural light pours in through the windows, creating a tranquil space that soothes the minds of all visitors.
