Kiri Church
| Kiri Church is the historic first parish of Nakagoto, marking the pivotal moment when the Goto Hidden Christians reunited with the Catholic Church. |
| Kiri Catholic Church occupies a site of immense historical significance, standing on a verdant hillside that offers a panoramic view of the tranquil Seto Inland Sea. The community’s roots trace back to migrants from the Sotome district of the Omura domain who settled in the Kiri and Furusato areas to escape persecution. This parish holds the distinction of being the first established in the Nakagoto region in 1897, serving as a cornerstone for the formal resurgence of the faith in the central islands. The church is inextricably linked to the story of Gaspar Yosaku, a local resident whose journey to Nagasaki for medical treatment led to a chance encounter with Father Petitjean at Oura Cathedral. This meeting was the catalyst for the “discovery of the followers” in the Goto Islands, eventually leading the Hidden Christian communities of the archipelago back to the Catholic Church. To honor this legacy, a monument dedicated to Gaspar Yosaku, his father Paul Zenshichi, and Michael Kiyokawa Sawajiro stands prominently beside the church entrance. The current structure, rebuilt in 1958, maintains a serene and welcoming presence. Its elevated position not only served as a beacon for returning believers but today provides visitors with one of the most picturesque vistas in the region, blending spiritual history with the natural beauty of the Goto coastline. |