Miiraku Church

Miiraku Church serves as the spiritual heart of one of the oldest Christian communities in the Goto archipelago. The site’s heritage dates back to 1797, when families fleeing persecution in the Omura domain sought sanctuary in this remote coastal region, maintaining their traditions in secrecy for nearly a century. While the first formal Gothic-style wooden church was consecrated in 1880, the current edifice was constructed in 1971 to preserve the parish’s continuity after the original structure succumbed to the elements and age.

The architecture of the modern church is defined by its remarkable integration of light and local artistry. The facade features striking mosaic murals composed of shells and ceramics, a tactile tribute to the community’s maritime environment. Inside, the sanctuary is transformed by an extensive program of stained glass. In a sophisticated narrative arrangement, the windows on the right-hand side portray the life of Christ, while those on the left are dedicated to the historical journey of the Catholic faith within the Goto Islands. This intentional design serves as both a liturgical space and a visual archive of the community’s resilience.