Ever wondered why this modest building is called Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche? This is a story of community spirit and a patron saint of travelers.
Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche stands here as a testament to faith and perseverance. It is located in the Fasanerie-Nord district of Munich. The church’s story begins in the early 20th century.
In 1914, the settlement of Fasanerie had about 500 residents. These residents belonged to the parish of Feldmoching. The desire for their own church began to grow. Archbishop Franz Bettinger supported this idea.
World War I halted their efforts from 1914 to 1918. After the war, initiatives restarted in 1922. However, the inflation of 1923 destroyed these efforts again.
The citizens of Fasanerie did not give up. They formed a church building association. On June 27 1927, their church was consecrated. It was dedicated to Saint Christopher.
Hermann Selzer, a Munich architect, designed the Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche. The building features a neo-Baroque chancel. Next to it stands a two-story curate house with a hipped roof.
Saint Christopher became their patron. The residents chose him because of his staff sprouting leaves. He was considered the protector of gardeners. Many people in the settlement worked as gardeners.
For many years, Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche served as the heart of the community’s religious life. It became a parish church in 1956.
In 1971, a new and larger St. Christoph church was built nearby. This new church could accommodate the growing congregation.
After some time, Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche was used for other purposes. In 2000, Caritas restored the building. Now, it serves as a subsidiary church.
Today, Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche also mentors the Alveni-Jugendhaus. This Caritas facility supports young refugees. Alveni means “arrival”. Just as Saint Christopher helped travelers, social workers guide these youths toward a secure future.
As you stand here, remember the journey of Alte Sankt-Christoph-Kirche. From a dream to a reality, it embodies the enduring spirit of this community. It is a place of welcome, a place of history and a place of hope.