Memorial Cathedral for World Peace

19/11/07




We went to International Party of Hiroshima University which is organised in Granvia Hotel, Hiroshima. Since it's costing us 2280yen to go to Hiroshima by JR train, we went there in the morning to explore the city.



I'll post more on the city next time, now I'm gonna bring you to the very first place we wanted to visit when we go to Hiroshima --the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace. The Memorial Cathedral of world peace is also known as the Noboricho Church of Hiroshima. This is a Cathedral dedicated to the memory of the Atomic Bomb victims, a symbol of love and peace for all nations.



It surprised me on how pack the city is and how the cathedral actually stands in the middle of the busy roads surrounded by tall buildings. This is the bell tower.





Late Pope John Paul II visited Hiroshima and made his world famous Appeal for Peace. In front of the Cathedral stands a bronze statue of the Pope as a lasting remembrance. In Japanese his name is read as ''Yohane Pauro''. Hehe

We met this volunteer, Teresa Y. Omori san, who warm-heartedly showed us around the cathedral, almost to every corner and explained to us the stories about this church.

When the atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, this German priest -- Reverend Hugo Lassalle (1898-1991) was seriously injured. He had over 500 wounds over his body, the glasses pierced into his body, and he was burnt too. It was a critical stage then. But with God's grace, he survived.

The church was less than 1500 meters from the hypocenter of the bomb. During his recovery he began to think of rebuilding the church as a monument to World Peace. This would be a place for all, regardless of their beliefs and religion to come and pray for the souls of the victims. It would be a symbol of love and peace for all nations.

His dream was supported and with the blessings of Late Pope John Paul II he set about soliciting funds from Europe, America, and from all over the world. With the help from all sources this cathedral started to build in 1950 and completed at 1954.

Father Lassalle served in Japan throughout his life, and he wanted to become a Japanese so much. The government approved his request and he has a Japanese name -- 爱宫真備 Enomiya Makibi. A year before he went back to God, he was attacked by cancer. His love and passion had touched many people. After his death the church placed part of his ashes in the cathedral in memorial of him.

Walking into the church you'll see this 3 words:

Faith

Hope

Love

This picture on the wall behind altar is made from various types of precious stones from different country. They are given by the Germany government. Germany was one of those donates the most in the building of this Cathedral.

Do you notice something different from the usual catholic church we visit? It is not cruxifix but it is the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observe these lamps well.. What do you think it looks like?


Its design is based on lotus flower. The Buddhist community too donated in building this cathedral. Guess which one is taken by me, and which one by Alvin. ;p Actually most of the photos are Alvin's production, a lot of the photos I took spoilt. ;(


On the right side of the church is Mother Mary's statue. Teresa asked me to kneel on left side of of the statue then the right side and asked me of the differences of Mother Mary.

When you are on the right side, you'll find Mother Mary's eyes are more capturing.

On your left you will first see the confession room.

At the end that is where they place the Jesuit missionary, late Reverend Hugo Lassalle.

More to come...