The Convent of Our Lady of the Snows
山中雪の聖母修道院
History and Beginning
The Convent of Our Lady of the Snows was founded to give safety, care, and education to children hurt by war. It also became a place of prayer and hope, showing God’s love through the work of the Salesian Sisters.
March 1945
About 100 people from Seibi Gakuen (sisters and children) moved to Yamanaka to escape the war. This was the first step of the convent’s work, a safe place for children and a home for sick children.
In 1957, a Lourdes Grotto was made with stones from Mt. Fuji.
In 1958, a new chapel was built.
In 1961, land, a playground, and play equipment were added for the children.
Our Lady of Mt.Fuji
富士の聖母
Thanksgiving Pilgrimage to the Blessed Mother on Mt. Fuji (Aug 24, 1963)
On August 24, 1963, some Salesian priests and more than ten Salesian Sisters went up to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji. They went there to thank the Blessed Mother because, during World War II, fifty children and the Sisters were saved from the war at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
They also prayed for peace in the world and for the happiness of all children. One Sister carried a small statue of Mary in her arms. They placed this little statue in the rocks at the 5th Station.
Our Lady of Mt. Fuji: The Statue of Gratitude (Oct 8, 1964)
The statue honor the Blessed Mother, giving thanks for her protection during the war, and inspire peace and happiness for all children of the world. The unveiling ceremony of the Statue of Our Lady of Mt. Fuji took place on October 8, 1964.
Sr. M. テレジア川口陽子は、『来日90周年記念』において富士の聖母の除幕式について記しています。
「(1964)10月8日。小雨の中、その日開通した富士スバルラインは もみじにけぶり、目も覚 めるような美しさでした。富士の聖母像除幕式に参列の車が次々登っていくなか、わたくしもどなたかの車に便乗させていただき、“マリア様に会いに行く”という思いで胸をとき めかせていました。料金所の脇にSr. 大串ミツ子が立っておられ、車の窓に近づいて、「今、 管区長様(サレジオ会: ダルクマン神父様)が上られました」と知らせてくださった時は、 “マリア様ようこそ、わたしたち日本のこの山に･･･!”と、喜びとほこらしさをまじえて叫びたい気持ちになりました。
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土手を駆け下るように咲いていた白い山百合、富士にはよく似合うという月見草が揺れ、 朝に夕にこの富士の聖母像、わたくしたちの扶助者聖母は、巡礼に訪れるどれほどの人々 に微笑みかけ、祝福し続けてこられたことでしょう。
富士山に聖母像が建つ、このこと自体、まさに一つの奇跡だったのです。」
Sr. M. Teresia Kawaguchi Yoko wrote in the “90th Anniversary of the Salesian Sisters in Japan”
“(1964) October 8. In the light rain, the Fuji Subaru Line, which opened that very day, was covered in autumn leaves and looked breathtakingly beautiful. Cars carrying people to the unveiling of the Statue of Our Lady of Mt. Fuji drove up one after another. I, too, was invited to ride with someone, and my heart was full of excitement, thinking, ‘I am going to meet Mary!’
At the toll gate, Sr. Mitsuko Ogushi was standing. She came close to the car window and told us, ‘Just now, the Provincial Superior (Salesian Fr. Dalkmann) has gone up.’ At that moment, I felt like shouting with joy and pride, ‘Welcome, Mary, to our mountain in Japan!’
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White mountain lilies were blooming along the slopes, and evening primroses, said to suit Mt. Fuji, were swaying in the wind. Morning and evening, this Statue of Our Lady of Mt. Fuji—our Mary Help of All—has continued to smile upon and bless the many pilgrims who come. To have the Statue of Our Lady standing on Mt. Fuji itself—this was truly a miracle.”
Our Lady, the Intercessor for All
わたしたちの執り成しの聖母像
The prayer for the happiness of children spread from Japan to many other countries. A pure white statue of the Virgin Mary, made of Italian Carrara marble, was sent from the Salesian General House in Rome. Stones showing love for Mary were also sent from more than 50 countries.
One stone came from a bishop in the Czech Republic, which was then under Communist rule. On it, written in silver, were the words: “Dedicated to our beloved Mother from a country in distress.”
Another stone came from Spain, from Xavier Castle, the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier, the Apostle of the East.
Because of the kindness and support of many people, the Ministry of Health and Welfare gave official permission to set up the statue on September 1, 1964.
〒401-0320 山梨県南都留郡鳴沢村
35°24’55.3″N 138°42’06.0″E