“Ever wondered about the tale behind this unassuming yet spiritually rich building?”, I ask, gesturing towards St. Gertrud. This Roman Catholic church, nestled on Weyprechtstrasse in Munich’s Harthof district, was consecrated in 1956. It stands as a testament to faith and community. St. Gertrud is more than just a church. It’s a designated point on Munich’s Cultural History Path. Its patron saint is Gertrud of Helfta.
Let’s delve into the history of St. Gertrud. The parish of St. Gertrud became independent in 1963. A year later, in 1964, the church, parish center, and parish kindergarten were established. These institutions formed a hub for the local community.
In 1978, St. Gertrud underwent renovations. The front altar area was transformed into a weekday church. A new Späth organ was inaugurated a year later. This grand instrument boasts 28 registers and 1,722 pipes. It replaced the smaller Steinmeyer organ from 1964. The older organ now serves as the choir organ in St. Joseph.
Listen to the sounds of St. Gertrud’s bells. The tower houses a four-part bronze chime from the Bachert bell foundry. Cast in 1958, the bells ring out in the sequence of C sharp1, E1, F sharp1, and A1.
Since September 2000, Polish Dominican fathers from St. Albert’s Monastery in Freimann have been in charge of pastoral care at St. Gertrud. They continue a long tradition of spiritual guidance.
Notice the fresco by Karl Manninger on the outer facade. It sits above the main portal and depicts the “Works of Mercy”. Inside, a metal cross by artist J. Dumanski catches the eye. This cross is a relic from the Eucharistic World Congress held in Munich in 1960.
Interestingly, there is a nearly identical church in Deggendorf called St. Martin. This architectural twin highlights the shared vision of sacred spaces. St. Gertrud is dedicated to St. Gertrude the Great. She was a Benedictine nun and mystic born in Germany in 1256. She is known for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Souls in Purgatory. She is also the only female saint called “the Great”.
The church’s story is woven into the fabric of Munich itself. St. Gertrud stands as a beacon of faith, community, and artistic expression.