Concrete artistry meets spiritual solace at the Pfarrkirche Zum Guten Hirten. This church stands as a testament to modern architecture and devotion in Vienna’s 13th district. Let’s delve into the story of this unique house of worship.
The Archdiocese of Vienna acquired this land in 1957. They entrusted it to the Congregation of the Oblates of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The mission was to build a church and monastery. Construction began in 1963. The Lanterihaus, the monastery, opened its doors in 1964. On September 19, 1965, Archbishop Franz Jachym consecrated the church to the Good Shepherd. In 1967, it became an independent parish. In 2020, the parishes of Unter St. Veit and Zum Guten Hirten merged. Today, the Pfarrkirche Zum Guten Hirten serves as the parish church for both communities.
Architects Ceno Kosak and Herta Kosak designed the church between 1963 and 1965. Robert Krapfenbauer handled the structural engineering. The design features exposed concrete and an irregular layout. A triangular choir and entrance add to its distinctive look. Budget constraints led to the omission of a planned bell tower. Instead, a western bell support was erected. It features a cement statue of Christ as the Good Shepherd by Slovakian sculptor Otokar Čičatka. He also created the figures for the Nativity scene. The Grassmayr bell foundry supplied the three bells. They are tuned to A, Cis, and E.
Above the main entrance is a striking bronze sculpture. Created in 1992 by Italian sculptor Gianluigi Giudici, “The Fish Catch” depicts Christ with two fishermen. It weighs 1.5 tons and is four meters high.
Karl Hagenauer crafted many of the church’s interior elements. These include the portal door and the tabernacle. The tabernacle is shaped like a symbolic burning bush. A hanging steel cross with colorful glass stones and a bronze figure of the Crucified adorns the back. The star-shaped baptismal font rests on a Untersberg marble column. Hagenauer also designed the ambo and candleholders. The two sacristy doors display unique scenes. One shows angels announcing Christmas peace over Vienna. The other features the Gospel text of the Good Shepherd.
Pater Carlo Mondini OMV, the long-serving parish priest, invited Gianluigi Giudici to contribute further artwork. Giudici created the bronze relief “The Resurrection” on the altar wall. He also made the bronze statue “Madonna with Child” and the Stations of the Cross reliefs. The Stations of the Cross, created between 1966 and 1971, comprise 42 figures. Each figure is approximately 1.1 meters tall. Giudici immortalized his son, who died young, in the 8th station. Isolde Maria Joham, an Austrian artist, created the leaded blue-white and red-white glass windows. Due to financial limitations, an electronic Johannus organ was installed instead of a pipe organ.
The building connected to the church is named Lanterihaus. It honors the order’s founder, Father Pio Bruno Lanteri. Until 2011, it housed the rooms of the Oblate fathers and the parish priest. Today, it includes a house chapel, a library, a kindergarten, and other social spaces. The Oblates of the Virgin Mary have been active in Vienna since 1955. They are primarily involved in hospital chaplaincy.
The Pfarrkirche Zum Guten Hirten stands not only as a place of worship. It is also a landmark. Its art and architecture invite reflection and contemplation. As we conclude our visit, consider the dedication and artistry that have shaped this sacred space.