What if red bricks could speak? Sankt Franziskus in Cologne would narrate a tale of faith. It would tell of resilience and artistic expression. This Catholic parish church in Bilderstöckchen has stood since its consecration in March 1961. Architect Hans Schilling designed it.
Sankt Franziskus’s story begins before its physical existence. In 1932, Bilderstöckchen grew. A former artillery depot became a settlement. By 1935, a chapel served as a place for worship. It was located in a converted school barrack. The area evolved into an independent parish. This happened between 1935 and 1937. Saint Francis of Assisi became the patron saint. The parish celebrated his feast on September 17. This commemorates the day he received stigmata.
World War II damaged the settlement. Despite the destruction, the community rebuilt. The need for a proper church became apparent in the 1950s. A church building association formed in 1949. Financial constraints meant they could only restore the emergency church. Still, the Catholic community grew rapidly.
By 1954, the church acquired land. This was through donations and exchanges. The grounds became large enough for a church, rectory, and other buildings. The Archdiocese approved construction in 1955. Hans Schilling was commissioned in 1956. The cornerstone was laid on November 3, 1957.
Construction of Sankt Franziskus faced hurdles. In March 1958, the Archdiocese halted work due to financial issues. The community sold the old rectory. This provided additional funds. Construction continued until early 1961. Some designs had to be simplified due to rising costs. The parish moved into the rectory in 1959. Sankt Franziskus church was consecrated on March 12, 1961.
The building features a distinctive design. It is a red brick rotunda. Two semi-circular towers rise within the circular structure. A baptistery stands in front of the towers. It now serves as a weekday chapel. Karl Band redesigned it in 1974. Sankt Franziskus was listed as a historical monument on January 15, 2003.
Notice the brick relief. Willi Strauß designed it. The relief extends from northeast to west. On the east side, it culminates in a brick crucifix. Small red windows mark the stigmata. These cast red light onto the altar wall.
Inside Sankt Franziskus, light filters through a window band. The towers also allow light. Four triangular pillars support the flat roof.
Look at the altar wall. Strauß also created the wall relief. It depicts Christ as the sacrificial lamb. The artwork connects to the exterior crucifix. The lamb is offered to God. God returns the lamb with the Holy Spirit. Blue symbolizes God’s faithfulness. Gold represents the divine sacrifice. Red signifies the Holy Spirit’s love.
The Stations of the Cross are noteworthy. Br. Lukas Ruegenberg OSB designed them. The stations depict the streets and houses of the district. Willi Strauß designed the windows. They represent elements from the Canticle of the Sun.
The cornerstone bears a blessing from Saint Francis. Hermann Berges inscribed it. The inscription reads frater leo, dominus te benedicat. Two prayer niches flank the church space. The north tower holds a Francis figure and a tabernacle. The south niche contains an icon.
The organ, built in 1962, has two manuals and a pedal. Five bells reside in the north tower. Four were cast in 1961. A borrowed bell from 1602 completes the set. Sankt Franziskus stands as a testament to faith. It represents art and community.