Kapuzinerkirche

Had anyone ever told them about the humble beginnings of the Kapuzinerkirche? The Kapuzinerkirche started its life in the shadow of another church. Services for the Capuchin order initially took place in the nearby St. Ignaz Church. Then on September 21, 1621, the foundation stone for their own Kapuzinerkirche was laid. The ceremony was led by Auxiliary Bishop Stephan Weber. Weber, a benefactor of the Mainz Capuchins, was later commemorated with a memorial stone within the Kapuzinerkirche. The construction received financial support from the Archbishop of Mainz and the cathedral chapter. Even stones from the demolished St. Nikomedeskirche were used in its construction. The completed Kapuzinerkirche was small, only 39 meters long and 14 meters wide. It was consecrated on May 11, 1625, by Auxiliary Bishop Ambrosius Seibäus. Inside, three altars graced the Kapuzinerkirche. The high altar, unusually freestanding to accommodate the monks’ choir behind it, was dedicated to the Trinity, Archangel Michael, and St. Francis. A side altar honored Mary, Bilhildis, and Elisabeth. Over the years, the Kapuzinerkirche saw numerous renovations and additions. In 1661, new windows adorned with the coats of arms of the donors were installed. A new high altar was gifted by Mainz merchant Peter Bourny and his wife, Susanne. Side altars dedicated to the Annunciation, Anthony of Padua, St. Joseph, and St. Francis followed in 1672. Later renovations in 1746 and 1753 further enhanced the church. A planned Antonius chapel, funded by a generous donation from Frau Kaemerer, was never built. Instead, her funds, along with a contribution from the innkeeper of “Zum Englischen König”, went towards new altars. These five altars, dedicated to the Trinity, Christ, the Immaculate Conception, Archangel Michael, All Saints, Judas Thaddaeus, Fidelis, Francis, Nicholas, Felix, and Anthony, were consecrated in 1768. Even a sixth altar, dedicated to Seraphin of Montegranaro, the patron saint of masons, found a home in the Kapuzinerkirche. Despite its simple design, the Kapuzinerkirche played a significant role in Mainz’s religious life. Between 1690 and 1702, it even housed the miraculous image from the Liebfrauenkirche in Worms. Sadly, the Kapuzinerkirche suffered heavy damage during the bombardment of Mainz in 1793. It was eventually demolished in 1806. But the discovery of its foundation stone during demolition revealed fascinating details about its origins and the generosity of its patrons. Though the original Kapuzinerkirche is gone, its legacy lives on. A new Kapuzinerkirche was consecrated in 1901, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Capuchin order in Mainz.