Drawn to this unassuming chapel, have you ever wondered about the stories it holds? This is the Corneliuskapelle. It is a place steeped in history and faith. We are standing before a testament to centuries of devotion and resilience.
The Corneliuskapelle’s story began perhaps in the 12th century. Archaeological finds suggest its origins may lie in that era. Roman roof tiles and remnants of Roman structures were discovered here. Also pottery shards from the 10th to 12th centuries were found. This hints at a long and fascinating past.
It is believed the Corneliuskapelle may have started as a private church. A knightly family von Selincheim likely built it. They used it as a final resting place for their kin. Excavations inside the chapel revealed human bones and coffin fittings. A fully intact male skeleton and a child’s skeleton were unearthed. This supports the theory of a family burial site.
The first written record of the Corneliuskapelle dates back to 1573. A noblewoman von Reuschenberg is said to have founded it. Or perhaps she expanded an existing chapel. The Reuschenberg family resided at Haus Selikum. They were tenants of the Archbishop of Cologne from 1549 to 1699.
Pilgrimages to the Corneliuskapelle are documented as early as 1607. Records from the parish of St. Cyriakus in Neuss-Grimlinghausen mention them. In 1628, Elector Ferdinand of Cologne entrusted the Corneliuskapelle to the Jesuit order. Before that, Franciscans had been in charge.
After the Jesuit order was dissolved in 1773, the parish of Quirinus took over care of the Corneliuskapelle. Since 1912, the city of Neuss has been responsible for its upkeep. The then-owner, Dietrich Freiherr von Boeselager, sold Haus Selikum to the city. He stipulated that the Corneliuskapelle must always be maintained for Catholic services. Since 1962, the parish of St. Hubertus has been in charge.
The Corneliuskapelle has faced many trials over the centuries. It was damaged multiple times. It was rebuilt or renovated after each incident. A particularly devastating air raid on Neuss in 1944 severely damaged it. The roof, windows, and walls suffered. Much of the chapel’s pre-war decor was destroyed or lost. In 1950, the Corneliuskapelle underwent a complete renovation. The Neuss architect Paul Hermes designed the interior and exterior alterations.
Throughout history, the Corneliuskapelle has been a popular pilgrimage site. People flocked here during times of plague, cattle disease, and war. Residents of Holzheim have journeyed here every year since the 18th century. They come during the Cornelius Octave. They give thanks for being spared from the plague. Pilgrimages experienced a revival in the 1930s and 40s. This was thanks to the efforts of a Neuss businessman named Quirinus Jaegers. In recent times, pilgrimages and prayer visits to St. Cornelius have increased again.
An old pilgrimage route to the Corneliuskapelle has been marked since 2005. It features old grave crosses, the Alexianer cross, the Maria Rast wayside chapel, and a plague cross. A memorial stone in the form of a reddish granite boulder marks the Cornelius Bridge.
But who is Saint Cornelius? Cornelius was a presbyter in Rome. He became Pope in 251 AD. He advocated for the readmission of Christians. They had renounced their faith during persecutions. He was banished from Rome and died in 253 AD. His feast day is September 16th. The Corneliuskapelle celebrates a week-long Octave around this time. St. Cornelius is one of the four Holy Marshals. These saints are considered close to God. Believers seek his help against epilepsy, nervous disorders, and childhood diseases. Since the 15th century, he has been depicted with a horn. This is because his name was associated with the Latin word “cornu” meaning horn. He is also regarded as the patron saint of horned cattle and farmers.
The Corneliuskapelle stands as a beacon of faith. It is a place of solace. It is a reminder of the enduring power of community. It is a testament to the rich history of this region. Take a moment to reflect on the many stories held within these walls.