Chevalier family: Reviving the Heart

The Laity of the Chevalier Family in Japan

When COVID-19 swept across Japan, it didn’t just shut businesses and schools—it silenced the heartbeat of many parish communities. Church groups, once vibrant with prayer, service, and fellowship, were suspended. And in the aftermath, many never returned. The silence lingered. But in Our Lady of Assumption parish in Ogaki, something remarkable has stirred back to life.

In recent times, The Laity of the Chevalier Family Japan, known locally as “Mikokoro-kai”, has become a beacon of renewal. Rooted in the charism of Fr. Jules Chevalier, Mikokoro-kai embodies a Spirituality of the Heart – a call to make the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus known and lived in everyday life.

Unique to the church in Japan, Mikokoro-kai is led entirely by lay people. Their mission is not confined to churches or convents but lived out in homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. They gather for prayer, reflection, and service, rekindling the communal spirit synonymous with the MSC way of life.

The two leaders, Ms. Yoko Hibi and Ms. Kazuko Ito, attended the International gathering of the laity in Issoudun in 1999. Having embraced the “Open eyes, open heart, be moved, take action” motto, Mikokoro-kai members, accompanied by Fr. Joey Mission msc, are the heartbeat of parish-life at Ogaki:
· Organise twice-monthly gatherings for prayer, reflection, sharing and formation. Some of the topics covered include: synodality, Laudato Si and other Papal motu propria and encyclicals; the life and teachings of Fr. Chevalier, world peace and the Jubilee Year.
· In charge of the parish newsletter.
· Support parish liturgies and outreach efforts including visiting the sick and housebound.
· Foster parish unity by organising morning tea after each Sunday Mass and bringing the various language groups together.
· Free language tuition to assist new migrants learn Japanese.
· Novena box and Christmas wish tree for prayer intentions.
· Folding over 1,000 paper cranes to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atom bomb.
· Fostered intergenerational dialogue, welcoming both seasoned Catholics and younger seekers.
· Promote environmental awareness through extensive recycling programs in their homes and church.

Through prayer and action Mikokoro-kai members endeavour to live out their spirituality by imitating the virtues of the Heart of Jesus. Their presence is a reminder that lay people are not passive participants in the church—they are vital co-workers in the mission of Christ.

In a time when many communities continue their struggle to re-engage, this lay-led movement shows that grassroots faith can flourish again. The community in Fukui led by Mr. and Mrs. Yamaguchi and accompanied by Fr. Frits Ponomban msc is also now in the process of reviving their group.

It doesn’t require elaborate programs—just hearts willing to gather, pray, listen, and serve. The Sacred Heart of Jesus beats anew—through the hands and hearts of the laity.

Kenji Konda, MSC