Hamakushi Church
| A serene white-walled sanctuary in Shinkamigoto, founded by Sotome migrants and rebuilt in 1966 with a legendary “Our Lady of Hope” watching over the harbor. |
| Hamakushi Catholic Church is a striking landmark on the southern coast of Shinkamigoto, known for its brilliant white walls that contrast sharply with the deep blue of the surrounding sea. The community was established by Hidden Christians who made the perilous journey from the Sotome district of the mainland, seeking a remote refuge where they could maintain their faith in isolation. The village’s prosperity and its religious life were historically tied to the sea. The first formal church was constructed in 1899, funded significantly by the profits from the local whaling industry, which was then a primary source of livelihood for the islanders. As the original structure aged and the community sought a more prominent presence by the shore, the current church was completed in 1966. Its modern, clean-lined architecture reflects the mid-century aesthetic of the Nagasaki islands. One of the most moving features of the parish is not found within the church walls, but at the entrance of the nearby harbor. There stands the Statue of Our Lady of Hope, a beacon for the local community. For decades, it has served as a spiritual guardian, watching over the departure and safe return of the village’s fishing fleet. |