Cäcilia, fammula tua, Domine. Those words inspired the tones of the bells here at St. Cäcilia. This Catholic parish church stands as a testament to faith and music in Regensburg’s Ostenvierteil.
Let’s explore the story of St. Cäcilia. Its construction was initiated by Franz Xaver Haberl. He needed a church for his students’ practice. Haberl’s nearby Catholic Church Music School also needed it for pastoral care. Friedrich Niedermayer created the plans for St. Cäcilia. Bishop Ignatius von Senestrey laid the foundation stone in 1900. The church was consecrated to St. Cäcilia of Rome in 1902. Bishop Anton von Henle consecrated the church in 1913.
The parish of St. Cäcilia was founded in 1921. The church has been remodeled several times. These changes were for aesthetic and liturgical reasons. Part of the parish area became independent in 1953. It became the independent parish of Mater Dolorosa in 1964. Since 2005, the Paulines have cared for both parishes.
St. Cäcilia is a south-facing, three-aisled basilica. It features a recessed choir and transept. A choir flank tower and an outdoor staircase add to its structure. The building is made of exposed bricks. It also has architectural elements made of stone.
The dominant church tower rises 46 meters high in the west. The church’s floor plan measures 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. The interior has a simple design. Colorfully decorated transverse arches add contrast. Colorful church windows also add to the interior’s beauty. The Pietà Chapel holds a figure by Guido Martini.
The baptismal font and Easter candlestick lead to the church’s center. The high altar with the tabernacle forms the spiritual heart. Above the high altar, a Romanesque-style mural shows Christ as ruler of the world. A Salvator crucifix from the early 14th century resides in a side chapel.
The first organ at St. Cäcilia came in 1901. G. F. Steinmeyer & Co. created it. The organ had 31 registers. These were spread across two manuals and a pedal. Franz Xaver Haberl designed the disposition. The divided prospect made the two painted church windows visible. Donations funded the organ. It was installed before the church was even finished. The organ featured innovative technology for the time. It included a free combination. It also had six fixed combinations and a roll swell. An electric fan was installed in 1903. Due to frequent use, the organ needed renovation in 1922. A new organ work was purchased after only a few more years. Some pipes from this organ are now in the Weise organ. They reside in the Dreifaltigkeitskirche in Amberg.
The current organ was built in 1939. Michael Weise’s organ building company created it. It features 41 registers. These are divided across three manuals and a pedal. The tracker actions are electric. This allowed for a second console in the choir. It allowed better contact with the choral scholars. Michael Weise and church painter Georg Winkler designed the prospect. It was designed as a dominant free-pipe prospect. It occupies the entire curve of the transept.
The bells of St. Cäcilia ring out. Their tones match the notes above Caecilia’s name. The notes are from the third antiphon of Vespers. Caecilia, fammula tua, Domine translates to “Cäcilia, your handmaid, O Lord.” Lothar Spannagl cast bells 1, 2, and 5 in 1901. Hamm in Frankenthal cast bells 3 and 4 in 1949.
In 2021, St. Cäcilia celebrated its 100th anniversary. Bishop Dr. Rudolf Voderholzer joined the parish for a pontifical service. Marek Baron welcomed the bishop. Many faithful from St. Cäcilia and Mater Dolorosa also attended.
St. Cäcilia stands as a testament to faith and music. Its history is intertwined with the community. It is a place where voices rise in song and prayer.