Sotome Pilgrimage sites

Sotome is located between Nagasaki City and Saikai City, and faces the East

China Sea. During the ban on Christianity from the 17th century to the end of

the 19th century, Sotome was home to communities of “Hidden Christians.

” Many emigrated there from other parts of Nagasaki, as the remote region

allowed them to practice their religion in secret.

French missionary Father Marc Marie de Rotz played a large role in

reestablishing the religion in the area. He established Shitsu Church on

a hill overlooking the sea.

On an elevation commanding a view over the Sea of Goto, Father Marc

Marie de Rotz established the church at his own expense in 1882.

The building was extended and renovated over the years.

A statue of Mary that he ordered from France stands in the bell tower.

Driven by his desire to save the people of Sotome from poverty, Father

de Rotz established the Former Shitsu Aid Center. Today, this center is

indispensable when discussing the history and culture of the region.

As the setting for Shusaku Endo’s acclaimed novel “Silence,” Sotome is

blessed with a unique Christian history and culture. In particular, the area

where the Shusaku Endo Literary Museum stands is widely known as

the model for the Christian village depicted in “Silence,” one of Endo’s

most notable masterpieces.

The church is located in the Kurosaki district, which served as the setting for

Shusaku Endo’s novel “Silence.” In 1897, the foundations were laid

according to Father de Rotz’s design. Construction followed, and the church

was completed in 1920. The parishioners built it brick by brick with their

own hands. The modest design serves to bring out the beauty of the bricks.