Didn’t this area once hum with the industry of a large farm? Now, we stand before the Erlöserkirche Endresstraße. This Catholic parish church holds a history richer than the soil it’s built upon.
The Erlöserkirche Endresstraße wasn’t always a parish church. Its story began as a monastery church for the Redemptoristines. Picture the scene. September 20, 1908 marked the laying of the foundation stone. By 1909, the church was blessed. The official consecration took place later in 1931.
These nuns were self-sufficient. They cultivated a large farm and lived off its bounty. Imagine fields stretching where houses now stand. Hard times fell. The community dwindled. The order decided to close the monastery. Part of the land was sold and became “Maurer Dörfl.”
The old monastery found new owners. It was sold to an association named “christlich wohnen”. The new sisters were entrusted with the rest of the land. Finally, the church itself was sold to the Archdiocese.
In 1995, a change occurred. The Pfarrexpositur “Am Spiegeln,” which had existed since 1964, moved to the monastery church. The Archdiocese of Vienna elevated it to a parish church in 1996.
Look at the architecture of the Erlöserkirche Endresstraße. Theodor Ruf designed this in a historicizing Romanesque style. Its closed-off exterior reflected the Redemptoristines’ contemplative life. The tower with its clock still points to the church. A statue of the Redeemer adorns it. The opened forecourt now welcomes visitors.
Step inside the Erlöserkirche Endresstraße. Notice the three-aisled layout. The high central nave is impressive. See the long gallery? It once served as the sisters’ choir loft. The grilles on the windows and gallery hint at the former enclosure. The side aisles are low and dark. They and the entrance hall surround the square church space. The relatively long choir connects to this space.
The interior design is cohesive. Ferdinand Stuflesser from St. Ulrich in Gröden created the neo-Gothic wood carvings. A crucifixion group crowns the high altar. Below it, the tabernacle displays ears of wheat, vines, and the Sacred Heart. Angels flank the tabernacle.
The marble altar table depicts a scene from the Apocalypse. It shows the lamb enthroned on the book with seven seals. A round, stained-glass window tops the altar wall. It shows God the Father enthroned with the Holy Spirit. Together with the cross, it forms a Trinity group.
The pulpit also depicts Christ. The four Latin Church Fathers surround him. Side altars in the same style grace the side aisles. To the left is the Sacred Heart altar. Statues of St. Joseph and the Prophet Isaiah accompany it. To the right, is the Mary altar featuring statues of St. Klemens Maria Hofbauer and St. Alfons. The image of Mary is a copy of “Mary of Perpetual Help.”
The organ loft served the nuns exclusively. They used it during services. Private oratories were available for their personal prayers. These connected directly to their cells. These are no longer there.
Embedded stoups are still in the organ loft. They are also in the rectory. These allowed the sisters to bless themselves upon entry through their separate entrance. The windows above the presbytery are still barred. This allowed the nuns to participate in services with visual protection.
The Strommer organ was restored in 2016. It now resonates with a new sound. The Erlöserkirche Endresstraße even houses a full-body relic of Asklepiades of Antioch.
Today, the Erlöserkirche Endresstraße is more than a historical landmark. It actively supports the community. A Caritas Le+O distribution point operates here. They provide food and free advice to those in need. The parish premises can be rented for various purposes.
The Erlöserkirche Endresstraße is part of the “Weinberg Christi” parish association. It connects with the Mauer parish and the Georgenberg. This church stands as a testament to faith, community, and transformation. It evolved from a secluded monastery to a welcoming parish.