A relic of the Holy Cross rests within. This is the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche in Frankfurt’s Bornheim district. It stands as a testament to faith resilience and architectural innovation.
The Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche wasn’t always a center for meditation. Initially conceived as a parish church in 1928-1929 it was designed by Martin Weber a prominent church architect of the time. Weber’s design a masterpiece of Bauhaus style made the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche unique. It was the second Catholic church in Bornheim. This was necessary because of the growing Catholic population in the expanding eastern part of the district. The church’s prominent location on the Bornheimer Hang was carefully considered. An original community center planned for the same spot was never built. This unexpected turn of events freed up space for the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche. The building process was surprisingly swift. The groundbreaking ceremony happened on February 19 1928. The foundation stone was laid on March 18 1928. Construction finished rapidly. The consecration took place just a year later on August 25 1929 by Bishop Hugo of Mainz. Its name Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche a nod to several medieval Frankfurt sites dedicated to the Holy Cross. A relic a splinter of the True Cross is housed within the church itself.
World War II left its mark on the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche. Its exposed location unfortunately made it a navigation point for Allied bombers. Bombing raids in 1943 and 1944 caused significant damage. Windows were shattered the grand staircase was destroyed and the roof was pierced by incendiary bombs. Despite the devastation services continued remarkably in the church’s basement heating room until 1946.
The postwar reconstruction was a testament to the community’s spirit. The interior was restored. Lorenz Matheis a glass painter created new windows in white and gold. The church was redesigned following the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The altar was moved for a more community-focused service. A new ambo replaced the old pulpit. The baptism font replaced the former altar. The Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche became an independent parish in 1950. Further renovations occurred in 1990 and 1992 restoring the original interior design.
In 2007 the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche found a new purpose. It became the Heilig-Kreuz Center for Christian Meditation and Spirituality. This transformation involved adapting the space to better serve its new meditative function. The pews were replaced with folding chairs to create flexibility. A simple wooden altar was added for meditative services. The crypt was renovated into a tranquil meditation space.
Today the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche serves not only as a meditative center but also as a church for the International English-Speaking Catholic Parish. This dual role showcases its enduring significance in Frankfurt’s religious and cultural landscape. This beautiful church is a place of quiet contemplation and vibrant community life a true symbol of faith’s adaptability and endurance.