St. Franziskus

Amidst the bustling cityscape of Hanover, St. Franziskus Church stands as a beacon of faith. It serves the communities of Sahlkamp and Vahrenheide. The story of St. Franziskus begins in the early 1960s. Vahrenheide was a newly developed district, transforming from farmland and military grounds into a vibrant community. The Catholic residents initially received spiritual guidance from St. Joseph and St. Bruder Konrad parishes in the List district. The first mass in Vahrenheide was celebrated on Christmas Day in 1961. It took place in the music room of the Fridtjof-Nansen-Schule. On January 1, 1962, the St. Franziskus pastoral district was established. Pastor Arnold Fricke became the first priest, serving a growing community of around 2800 Catholics. Construction of the church and community center began in September 1962. The cornerstone was laid on Ascension Day, May 23, 1963. A newly built parish hall served as a temporary chapel starting September 7, 1963. St. Franziskus Church was officially consecrated on July 11, 1964, by Bishop Heinrich Maria Janssen. This marked a significant milestone. St. Franziskus became the first church in the Diocese of Hildesheim named after St. Francis of Assisi. St. Thérèse of Lisieux was chosen as the second patron saint. Her relics are enshrined within the church’s altar. The community continued to grow, reaching nearly 4800 members by 1969, when St. Franziskus was elevated to parish status. From 1973 to 1998, the congregation also held services at the Protestant Epiphaniaskirche, demonstrating interfaith cooperation. The church underwent significant renovations in the early 2000s. This included a new roof, ceiling, and interior restoration. The side chapel was rededicated as the “Theresienkapelle” by Bishop Norbert Trelle in 2006, honoring St. Thérèse. Today, St. Franziskus is part of the Heilig Geist parish since 2010. A dedicated support association actively contributes to the church’s preservation. The church’s architecture, designed by Paul Wolters, reflects a modern style integrated with the community center. The distinctive red brick and gabled roof create a welcoming presence. Inside, you’ll find artistic elements like the stained-glass window depicting St. Francis, designed by Claus Kilian. A replica of the San Damiano Cross hangs above the altar. Statues of Mary, Joseph, and Anthony of Padua adorn the space. Reliefs of Adolph Kolping and St. Thérèse, created by Josef Franke, add to the rich artistic heritage. The church bells, housed in a freestanding tower, are named after Mary, Francis, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Hermann-Joseph. A bronze carillon was added in 2014 to commemorate the church’s 50th anniversary. A statue of St. Francis by Bernd Streiter stands outside, further enhancing the church’s connection to its namesake.