Pause for a moment here. I want to share a story about Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig. This church stands as one of Mainz’s newer religious buildings.
Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig is located in the Finthen district. It is specifically in the Romerquelle area. You will find it right by the tram line 50’s final stop.
Back in the late 1970s planners developed the Romerquelle area. The parish of St. Martin in Finthen decided to establish a presence there. This decision was made under the leadership of Pastor S. Hainz.
Dr. Peter Ruhnau created the initial plans. He is now the diocesan architect of Paderborn. Architect Günter Rossellit from the nonprofit Siedlungswerk Frankfurt then built the branch church.
The building features an interior reminiscent of a tent roof. This design focuses attention on the altar. It promotes a sense of community among worshippers.
Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig forms a structural unit. It connects to the monastery building of the Missionary and Adoration Sisters of the Holy Family. Bishop Karl Lehmann consecrated the church in January 1984.
The parish chose Saint Hedwig as the church’s patron saint. This choice aimed to connect with parish members from Silesia. It was meant to offer them a spiritual home. Saint Hedwig advocated for peaceful coexistence. She promoted understanding between Germans and Poles in Silesia. Both nations revere her.
Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig also maintains strong ties to Finthen’s town center. Inside the church is a special piece. It is a sacrament house. It comes from the old parish church of St. Georg in Finthen. That church was built around 1320 but burned down around 1630. This early Gothic artwork serves as a tabernacle again. This is how it was originally intended.
The east wall features a depiction of the Holy Family. This “Sippenbild” shows Mary with the baby Jesus and Saint Joseph. On the other side are Anna and Joachim. They are the parents of the Mother of God. This treasure likely originated around 1500. It comes from Wackernheim in Rhenish Hesse. It had been in the parish church since 1901. It was carefully restored. Then it was gifted to Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig.
A baroque-era cross invites prayer. It is located on the north wall of the chancel. Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig provides a spiritual home. It connects the community to its history.
Importantly, the church offers accessibility. Access is possible via a ramp. This ensures everyone can visit Kath. Kirche St. Hedwig for prayer and reflection.