14-Nothelfer-Kapelle

Has anyone ever told you about the wax figures? Hidden within the 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle, these colorful figures, protected by glass, offer a glimpse into the chapel’s baroque past. The 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle sits at the edge of the Lennebergwald, between Mainz-Gonsenheim and Budenheim. Built in 1895 in the neo-Gothic style, it replaced an earlier structure from 1729. This 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle stands as a testament to the generosity of the Gonsenheim citizens. They fulfilled a vow by building the original chapel. This original chapel fell victim to French troops in 1795. They burned it down during the siege of Mainz. A second chapel was later built but had to be closed in 1892 due to structural instability. The shifting moorland beneath caused the building to become unsafe. Undeterred, the people of Gonsenheim rebuilt. The 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle as we see it today was consecrated in 1895. The interior underwent renovations in 1972-1973. The 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle’s simple, neo-Gothic design leads to a carved high altar featuring the fourteen helper saints. Two side altars, one with a Pieta and the other depicting the Holy Family, flank the path to this main altar. The 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle is more than just a beautiful building. It is a vital part of the community and the site of a significant pilgrimage. Every year, on the third Sunday after Pentecost, up to 1000 pilgrims gather outside for a special mass. The 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle’s secluded location necessitates it being kept closed. It opens for services, including May devotions to Mary, special masses for specific age groups, and weddings. A dedicated group of chapel enthusiasts keeps it open for a few hours on Sunday afternoons during the summer. Check the parish newsletter for the exact times. The fourteen helper saints, whose veneration emerged in the late Middle Ages, likely coalesced as a group in southern Germany. Some of the most recognizable are Saint George, Saint Christopher, and the three female saints: Barbara, Margaret, and Catherine. Their stories, filled with legends, resonated with people seeking aid. They placed themselves under the patronage of these saints. The veneration of these saints, originating in Franconia, spread to the Mainz area, particularly during the Baroque period.