Xincheng Catholic Church Introduction
The Catholic Church hidden among the alleys of Xincheng Township resembles Noah's Ark. Notably, it was originally the Xincheng Shinto Shrine during the Japanese colonial period, combining architecture from two different faiths that evolved together through historical changes and the wisdom of priests. Upon reaching Xincheng Park, after passing the archway (which was originally the first torii gate of the shrine), turn left and walk straight to see the second torii gate inscribed with "Catholic Church." From the torii gate, looking towards the worship path, you will find lush flowers and trees on both sides, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. Red stone lanterns stand beside the path. In front of the ship-shaped church, the walls are covered with climbing vines, lush and green, while stone lanterns are placed on either side, with the cross above barely visible. Continuing forward, you will arrive at the third torii gate of the shrine's ruins, where in addition to the stone lanterns, the left and right sides still have guardian dogs, reminiscent of a distinctly Japanese shrine architecture. Passing through the torii gate and walking to the end, the original main shrine has been transformed into the Madonna Pavilion, with a statue of the Virgin Mary in front, surrounded by a few towering ancient pines, in a very tranquil environment. The Xincheng Catholic Church was built in 1956 at the original site of the shrine, and its overall architectural beauty is considered the best in the eastern region. The long windows on both sides of the ship-shaped church are adorned with stained glass, neatly aligned, while the pebble walls are covered with vines. The interior of the church is clean, simple, yet solemn and sacred, with a baptismal font on the right side in the back, originally a handwashing stone for cleansing hands and body, now placed inside the church as holy water in the eyes of believers, while there is a small confession area on the left. Because history brought together these two different faiths, here you can see the coexistence of the torii gates and stone lanterns of the Japanese shrine with the cross and statue of the Virgin Mary of the Catholic Church, emitting a tranquil power of stability and peace.
