St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Cathedral
The cathedral seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saitama, dedicated to a French Carmelite saint and elevated to cathedral status in 1957.
At a glance
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Cathedral, known locally as Urawa Church, serves as the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saitama. Established as a parish in 1940 and consecrated as a cathedral in 1957, the building represents the institutional presence of the Catholic Church in the Saitama prefecture.
History
The parish was founded in 1940, dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Discalced Carmelite nun canonized in 1925 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II. The church’s elevation to cathedral status came in 1957 with the erection of the Diocese of Saitama, formalized through the papal bull “Qui superna Dei” issued by Pope Pius XII.
What you see
Architectural details of the cathedral are not extensively documented in available sources. The building stands as a functional Catholic place of worship serving the Urawa community and the wider Diocese of Saitama.
Cultural significance
The cathedral holds particular importance as the seat of the bishop of Saitama, making it a focal point for Catholic ecclesiastical administration in the region. Its dedication to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux—a saint renowned for her “little way” of spiritual childhood and her contributions to Catholic theology—reflects the diocese’s spiritual orientation and international Catholic connections.
Key facts
- Country: Japan
- City: Urawa, Saitama prefecture
- Founded: 1940
- Elevated to cathedral: 1957
- Coordinates: 35.8589, 139.6431
- Ecclesiastical status: Cathedral; Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saitama
Practical information & getting there
The cathedral is located in Urawa, Saitama prefecture. For visiting hours, services, or additional information about the Diocese of Saitama, contact the cathedral directly or consult local Catholic diocesan resources.
Sources & resources
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