In 1926 a vision took root. The Katholische Schule Liebfrauen was born. It wasn’t just a school. It was a testament to faith and perseverance. Prlat Bernhard Lichtenberg a passionate advocate for education championed its creation. He secured the support of the Sisters of Our Lady. They arrived in Berlin with mixed feelings. Their new mission was to educate young girls.
The school initially found a home in a building on Schlterstrasse. It later moved to K?nigsweg 23. This building near Lietzensee was purchased from a Russian manufacturer. The building now houses the Archdiocesan Ordinariate. Lichtenberg himself played a vital role. He inaugurated the school’s building and chapel. He served as a religious instructor. He also tirelessly sought financial support.
The Nazi regime posed an immense challenge. Catholic institutions were viewed as obstacles. In 1936 a ministerial decree mandated the school’s gradual dismantling. It was deemed unnecessary. The school was officially closed in 1941. Despite the oppressive atmosphere the sisters acted courageously. They secretly offered refuge to Jewish children. A commemorative plaque on the former convent building stands as a reminder.
Despite the destruction caused by World War II the school’s spirit endured. In 1945 Sister Maria Coelestis initiated its rebirth. She started in a villa on Ahornallee. The student population quickly surged from 16 to 100 within a year. The school faced numerous obstacles like a lack of resources and teachers. Despite these difficulties Sister Coelestis secured participation in the school feeding program in 1948.
The original school building near Lietzensee was irreparably damaged. The construction of a temporary building on H?lderlinstrasse ensued. It was nicknamed the “Garden School” or “Barrack”. Seven years later a new building was constructed between Soorstrasse and Ahornallee. Cardinal Julius D?pfner officially inaugurated it. A gymnasium was built ten years later. It stood on the site of the temporary Garden School. Sister Maria Borgia who succeeded Sister Coelestis spearheaded this expansion. Under her leadership the Diocese of Berlin assumed responsibility for the school in 1970. This was due to financial and personnel challenges faced by the order.
The Katholische Schule Liebfrauen continues to thrive. It has undergone numerous structural changes. It started by training kindergarten teachers. In 1951 it introduced classes for boys. This continued until 1972 when primary classes were discontinued. Currently the school is a pure Gymnasium catering to over 700 students. The addition of new classrooms labs and a canteen in 2010 marked another milestone. Today the Katholische Schule Liebfrauen stands as a beacon of education and faith. It’s a proud part of Berlin’s history. Its legacy is a testament to resilience and commitment.