St. Alfons

Whispers of faith echo within the walls of St. Alfons. This sanctuary, nestled in Berlin’s Marienfelde district, has witnessed a tapestry of history unfold since its consecration in 1932. St. Alfons stands as a testament to the Redemptorist Order’s dedication. During the tumultuous years of the Great Depression, they established a presence in Berlin. They chose to honor their founder, Alfonso Maria de Liguori, by naming the church after him. St. Alfons became a beacon of hope for two Catholic settlements. These settlements were the Mariengarten near the former Convent of the Good Shepherd and the Stadtrandsiedlung Marienfelde. The church’s design reflects the architectural trends of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Architect Josef Bischof blended Romanesque influences with the emerging Neue Sachlichkeit style, creating a unique structure. The three-aisled basilica boasts high clerestory windows. These windows bathe the interior in natural light, contrasting with the more intimate, cross-vaulted side aisles. A subtle blend of past and present. During World War II, St. Alfons suffered damage. Yet, the resilient spirit of the community prevailed. The church was quickly restored for services in 1945, though the adjacent monastery’s reconstruction took until 1952. St. Alfons played a crucial role in supporting refugees from East Germany. Between 1949 and 1961, the Redemptorists provided pastoral care to those seeking refuge in the Marienfelde emergency reception center. The church’s story continued to evolve. It gained independence from its mother parish, Maria Frieden, in 1965. Later, portions of its territory were allocated to newly established parishes. In 1995, St. Alfons itself became a parish. In 2005, it merged with the parish of Vom Guten Hirten. More recently, in 2020, the church’s facade became a canvas for art. As part of the “Paste Up History – Marienfelde Goes Street Art” project, a striking image of a Redemptorist monk was installed. He inscribes the poignant words from James 2:13: “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” St. Alfons continues to serve its community. It is a quiet place of worship. It is a vibrant symbol of resilience. It is an artistic expression of faith. The next time you pass by St. Alfons, pause for a moment. Reflect on the stories etched within its walls. They are a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.