A Pilgrimage of Witness and Hope
From Rome to Nagasaki
Following the story of Christianity in Japan—from missionary beginnings to martyrdom, hidden faith, and rediscovery—this pilgrimage is being developed as a companion experience to the From Rome to Nagasaki course.
Participants will explore places connected with the Japanese martyrs, the Hidden Christians, and the enduring witness of the Church in Nagasaki and western Kyushu.
From Rome to Nagasaki
Why This Pilgrimage Matters
The history of Christianity in Japan is one of extraordinary faithfulness. The Gospel arrived through missionaries, flourished in growing communities, endured severe persecution, and survived for generations in secret before emerging once again into public view.
This pilgrimage seeks to encounter that story where it unfolded—in churches, villages, coastlines, memorials, and communities that preserve the memory of the Japanese martyrs and Hidden Christians—and to consider what faithful witness looks like in every age.
Witness of the Martyrs
Encounter places connected with the Twenty-Six Martyrs and generations of Christians who suffered for their faith.
Hidden Faith
Explore how Christian communities preserved prayer, memory, and belief through centuries of persecution.
Encounter Faith Through Place
Learn through worship, reflection, history, and direct engagement with the landscapes where these events occurred.
More than a study tour, this pilgrimage invites participants to reflect on faithfulness, perseverance, and Christian witness through prayer, shared conversation, and encounters with places where the story unfolded.
“The story of Christianity in Japan is not only a story of martyrdom, but also of faith preserved in hiddenness and hope.”
Ōura Cathedral, Nagasaki
Faith preserved in hiddenness and hope.
From Study to Encounter
The From Rome to Nagasaki course explores the history, theology, and witness of Christianity in Japan. The pilgrimage extends that learning into physical places—allowing participants to encounter churches, memorials, villages, and landscapes connected to the Japanese martyrs and Hidden Christians.
Together, the course and pilgrimage form a single journey of study, reflection, and encounter.
Learn the Story
- Historical foundations of Christianity in Japan
- The missionary movement and growth of the Church
- The witness of the Japanese martyrs
- Hidden Christian communities and traditions
- Theological reflection and discussion
- Preparation for pilgrimage experience
Encounter the Story
- Churches, memorials, and sacred places
- Historical immersion in significant locations
- Prayer and worship in community
- Guided reflection and discussion
- Learning through presence and place
A Journey Through the Story of Japanese Christianity
This pilgrimage is currently being developed. Dates, itinerary details, accommodations, and registration information will be announced once planning is complete.
The vision, themes, and locations presented here reflect the direction currently being explored and may be refined as development continues.
Tentative pilgrimage experience; final details subject to change.
Arrival in Nagasaki
Entering the Story
Orientation to the history of Christianity in Japan, from the arrival of missionaries to the witness of the Japanese martyrs and Hidden Christians.
Nagasaki and Ōura Cathedral
Rediscovery of the Hidden Christians
Orientation to the history of Christianity in Japan, from the arrival of missionaries to the witness of the Japanese martyrs and Hidden Christians.
Nishizaka Hill
Witness and Martyrdom
Visit the memorial of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan and reflect on the cost of Christian discipleship.
Sotome Coast
Faith Preserved in Secret
Learn how Christian communities preserved prayer, memory, and belief through generations of persecution.
Unzen and Shimabara
Persecution and Perseverance
Encounter places associated with suffering, endurance, and the difficult history of anti-Christian suppression.
The Goto Islands
Hidden Faith in Community
Visit communities whose churches and traditions preserve some of the strongest living memories of Hidden Christian life.
Return to Nagasaki
From Hidden Church to Visible Church
Bring together the themes of witness, endurance, and renewal before concluding the pilgrimage.
Closing Reflection
Sent as Pilgrims
Conclude with worship, prayer, and reflection on what the Japanese martyrs and Hidden Christians continue to teach the Church today.
From Study to Pilgrimage
Preparing for the Journey
The Rome to Nagasaki pilgrimage is closely connected to the Rome to Nagasaki: Following Jesus Through Suffering, Witness, and Martyrdom course. Through Scripture, historical study, and theological reflection, participants gain a deeper understanding of the people, events, and places they will later encounter in person.
While the course is not required, many pilgrims find that studying first enriches their experience of the journey.
Related Course
From Rome to Nagasaki:
“Pilgrimage begins long before a traveler boards a plane. It begins in the patient work of study, prayer, and preparation.”
— Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching