A 500 kg bomb. It nearly destroyed the Herz-Jesu-Kirche. Yet it miraculously failed to explode. This incredible event is just one chapter in the rich history of this remarkable church.
The Herz-Jesu-Kirche stands proudly in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. It’s an architectural masterpiece. Built in the Lower Saxon Romanesque and early Christian Byzantine styles. This beautiful church was the brainchild of Professor Christoph Hehl. A renowned expert in medieval architecture. He designed it. Construction began in 1897 and took just 16 months. The consecration ceremony took place on October 25 1898. It was officiated by Prelate Karl Neuber.
Long before the church’s construction the land was farmland. Vineyards and windmills dotted the landscape. It was outside the city limits. This area became more populated. The St Hedwig Cathedral parish purchased a Roloffsburg entertainment venue in 1889. The influx of Catholic residents necessitated a new parish. The first mass was held in a former dance hall on July 14 1889. Johann Peter Alesch became the first parish priest. The church complex grew. It included the church itself a rectory. Also the Theresienschule girls’ gymnasium and the Maria Hilf hospice.
The 1920s saw a flourishing community life. The first public Corpus Christi processions to Teutoburger Platz were held. During World War II the crypt was converted into an air raid shelter. It could hold about 500 people. The Theresienschule was closed by the Nazis. It housed the auxiliary organization of the Berlin Bishop’s Ordinariate. Its manager Margarete Sommer hid Jews in the church’s boiler room and other places in Berlin.
The church survived the war relatively unscathed. That is until April 1945. A 500 kg bomb pierced the roof. It landed near the Joseph Altar. It didn’t explode. Nearly 1000 people were in the overcrowded air raid shelter. They escaped unharmed. After the war the Theresienschule reopened as the only state-recognized denominational high school in East Germany. The congregation dwindled under communist rule. The church suffered damage. Water leaked through the ceiling. The murals and organ were damaged.
Since reunification the church has experienced a revival. It benefitted from the influx of Catholics to Prenzlauer Berg. The Chemin Neuf community oversaw pastoral care from 1994 to 2022. They fostered ecumenical connections with other Christian communities. The Herz-Jesu-Kirche had a high number of priests. In 2021 it merged with other parishes to form the Bernhard Lichtenberg parish. Extensive damage was repaired. Money came from donations and grants. In 2008 the parish had around 9400 members many aged 20-40. High fluctuation was seen in this age group.
In September 2014 a left-wing extremist attack targeted the church. Windows were smashed and paint was thrown inside. The attack was because the church provided space for pro-life activists. The Herz-Jesu-Kirche remains a vibrant part of the Berlin community. It stands as a testament to faith. It’s also a symbol of resilience and hope. The Herz-Jesu-Kirche is a must-see.