Meguro Catholic Church — Attraction in Tokyo

We attended Holy Mass here in the evening of May 3, 2025. I was a bit disappointed with the priest's behavior (a Filipino priest) because he laughed while saying the prayers when he unintentionally mentioned Pope Francis' name & realized the Pope was already dead. While it shows his humanity & may be even looked at as something "relatable" by some, it takes away the sacredness of the moment especially when praying in the altar which must be reverent as it is offered to the Almighty God. If one believes truly from the heart, in my opinion, one doesn't dare disrespect that moment. This made me uncomfortable. And, when I was about to receive communion on the tongue, he blessed me instead & said he finished the blessing what more do I want? I don't know if he pretended to not know from my gesture that I intended to receive Jesus on the tongue but because of what he did, he left me with no choice but to receive by hand. I only remembered to share this now because I read from a post by a Catholic religious congregation (who thankfully are the ones who manage a nearby parish in my home country) which states that the faithful should not be refused communion if they wish to receive on the tongue as this is still a valid posture when receiving communion. And then after the Holy Mass, the priest stayed by the door saying "thank you for coming" to the churchgoers. This is a nice gesture but for me, it feels like we attended a mere birthday party, and the Holy Mass is way above that. For us Catholics, going to Mass especially on a Sunday is an obligation, we pay our dues to God, our Creator our Savior, it's the least we can do, we do not deserve to be thanked and personally I do not need to be thanked. I should be the one thanking God instead. I tried to understand the priest's perspective & maybe he's trying hard to please the laity. We need to pray for priests like him- maybe they sometimes forget about how to please God more than pleasing people. A saint once said we must pray for priests more than criticizing them. I hope this won't come across as a negative criticism but a constructive one, a food for thought, a gentle reminder from a humble, ordinary lay Catholic who loves our church, the church Jesus Himself established, which is the Catholic church, not protestant so we should avoid...

During my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to visit Meguro Catholic Church, and it was a truly memorable experience. As someone who appreciates the significance of religious sites and seeks moments of gratitude during my travels, visiting a local church is always a priority for me.

Meguro Catholic Church is a beautiful and serene place of worship nestled in the heart of Tokyo. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the tranquil atmosphere and the sense of peace that enveloped the space. The church's stunning architecture, adorned with intricate details and stained glass windows, added to its overall charm.

The church provided me with a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustling city. It was a moment of reflection and thanksgiving, where I could express my gratitude for the opportunity to explore a new country and immerse myself in its culture. I found solace in the peaceful ambiance, allowing me to connect with my faith and appreciate the journey I was on.

One of the things I truly appreciate about visiting churches in different countries is the universal message of hope and unity they convey. Regardless of language or cultural differences, the sense of belonging and shared spirituality transcends borders. It's a reminder that despite being a foreigner in a new land, I am embraced by a larger community of believers.

I left Meguro Catholic Church with a renewed sense of gratitude and optimism. It served as a reminder that my travels are not just about exploring new places but also about fostering a deeper connection with the world and its diverse cultures. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited such a significant and sacred place during my time in Japan.

The only thing I regret is not being able to hear mass. So make sure to check the mass schedules before you go. Whether you're a religious traveler or simply seeking moments of reflection, I highly recommend a visit to Meguro Catholic Church. It offers a serene and welcoming atmosphere, allowing you to find solace and express your gratitude amidst your travels. #MeguroCatholicChurch #SacredSpaces #GratitudeJourney...

Last night's Simbang Gabi was a truly a special memorable experience. The main celebrant, co-celebrants, servers, lector, and choir all contributed to a beautiful and meaningful service. The angelic voice of the responsorial psalmist further enhanced the worship experience.

The church's exposed concrete aesthetic creates a modern ambiance. The altar, adorned with symbolic elements like the gold-winged canopy and circular representations of the Trinity, is both visually stunning and spiritually significant.

The acoustics are impressive, and the lighting enhances the overall worship experience.

The Christmas decorations, including the tall tree and belen, added a festive touch to the Simbang Gabi celebration.

Indeed! a blessings to join in the celebration with the other...