Mindszentek-templom

Nestled near the entrance of Farkasréti Cemetery, the Mindszentek-templom stands as a modern marvel. It’s a testament to community spirit and architectural ingenuity. The Mindszentek-templom’s story began long before its concrete form took shape. In 1931, the Felső-Krisztinavárosi Kisegítő Kápolna Egyesület formed to serve the local faithful. They initially held services in the Érdi úti school. Then in 1938, they built the Keresztes Szent János kápolna within Farkasréti Cemetery. This chapel, sadly, suffered severe damage in 1945 and was later demolished. The congregation then used the crypt. They even adapted a former restaurant when the crypt became unavailable. The dream of a new church seemed distant. Then Bíró Imre became parish priest in 1972. He tirelessly advocated for a new church, finally receiving permission from the Fővárosi Tanács in December 1974. Architect Szabó István generously offered his services pro bono, designing both the Mindszentek-templom and the adjacent parish office. This was a significant event. No new church had been built in the city since 1948. Due to political constraints, the project faced numerous obstacles. The plans were submitted as house extensions and renovations. This was to appease both the building authorities and the Állami Egyházügyi Hivatal. The church building committee officially formed on January 5, 1975. Construction began on May 1st, with László Lékai blessing the foundation stone. The existing chapel had to remain operational during the 22-month construction period, posing a logistical challenge. Funding came from donations and loans. Remarkably, much of the labor was volunteered by local parishioners and students from the Piarista Gimnázium. Szabó István’s design ingeniously addressed the limited budget. He chose the cost-effective BH-60 concrete beam, typically used for floor filling. An astounding sixteen thousand pieces were used for the walls, the gaps filled with reinforced concrete. This resulted in walls with the strength of reinforced concrete but the texture of brick. The Mindszentek-templom was finally consecrated on April 10, 1977, by Cardinal László Lékai. He dedicated it to All Saints and elevated the parish status. The Mindszentek-templom’s design is striking. The pre-existing basement houses offices and a columbarium. The main church level is essentially two rectangles placed side by side. A narrow section houses the entrance hall, leading to the nave through eight doors. The altar, offset from the main axis, is illuminated by a strategically placed stained-glass window. The unplastered concrete beam walls, arranged in a geometric pattern, give the exterior a unique texture. The main facade is divided into three distinct sections. The right section’s walls rise like hands reaching towards the sky. A stairway, illuminated by a stained-glass skylight, ascends to the highest point, a quasi-tower. The bells hang in the open space between this tower and the central section. The left section features a cross motif formed by the absence of beams. The interior is bathed in natural light from strategically placed windows, adding to the serene atmosphere. Szabó István also designed the interior elements, the furnishings, and the additional artistic pieces, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Later additions include a 19th-century stone cross placed in the central aisle and an organ installed in 2001, inspired by old Italian instruments. The Mindszentek-templom stands not merely as a place of worship, but as a symbol of resilience, community and architectural innovation.