Kapelle der Heiligen Familie

Hidden within Mainz-Bretzenheim, the Kapelle der Heiligen Familie whispers tales of transitions and unwavering faith. The year was 1993. A new chapel, dedicated to the Holy Family, opened its doors within the Berthier-Haus. This building, named after the order’s founder, Jean Berthier, housed the Missionare von der Heiligen Familie (MSF). The MSF had arrived in Mainz in 1961, initially settling in the Studienhaus St. Johannes. As their numbers grew, they moved to Bretzenheim in 1972, constructing the Berthier-Haus as a center for studies and later, a “House of Silence and Encounter.” The Kapelle der Heiligen Familie became the heart of this vibrant community. However, by 2007, maintaining the larger Berthier-Haus became unsustainable. The Diözesancaritasverband purchased the building, renaming it Bischof Stohr-Haus. The MSF, however, remained close, building a smaller Berthier-Haus next to their former home. The Kapelle der Heiligen Familie continued to serve the community. In 2016, another transition occurred. The aging MSF community decided to relocate their provincial headquarters from Mainz to Betzdorf. A farewell mass was held at the Kapelle der Heiligen Familie, marking the end of an era. Two MSF priests remained in Mainz, a testament to their continued dedication to the diocese. Today, although the MSF may no longer reside in the Berthier-Haus, the Kapelle der Heiligen Familie stands as a quiet reminder of their 55 years of service and the enduring power of faith amidst change. It’s a small sanctuary nestled within a bustling city, a place where whispers of history echo in the present.