St. Claret Kirche

Amidst the bustling cityscape of Vienna, stands the unassuming yet captivating St. Claret Kirche. Don’t let its modern exterior fool you. This church holds a wealth of stories within its walls. St. Claret Kirche isn’t your typical grand cathedral. It’s a multi-purpose hall designed by architects Werner Appelt, Eberhard Kneissl, and Renate Elsa Prochazka. The building, completed in 1981, has a distinct modern style. It’s a square structure with a lower layer of ancillary rooms surrounding a central, square hall which serves as the main church space. This hall is illuminated by a lantern-like structure on the roof. St. Claret Kirche is dedicated to Saint Anthony Mary Claret, the founder of the Claretians order. The first Mass here was celebrated on May 31, 1981. The very first confirmation ceremony was conducted by Cardinal Franz König shortly after, on June 28th. The church bells, a later addition, were consecrated in April 1989. The bell tower followed suit, consecrated in May of the same year. Look closely at the cross in front of St. Claret Kirche. It’s a unique piece of copper work adorned with glass. In 2010, a relic of Saint Anthony Mary Claret was placed within the church, adding another layer of significance to this modern sanctuary. St. Claret Kirche has served not only as a place of worship. In 1992, it provided refuge to 19 Bosnian refugees for over three years, demonstrating the church’s commitment to community and compassion. St. Claret Kirche has seen many milestones. It became a parish in 1989. It has hosted numerous events, from its first Holy Communion to housing refugees. St. Claret Kirche stands as a testament to modern architecture and a vibrant community hub in the heart of Vienna.