Do you see the bronze figure sitting serenely in the middle of Bischofsplatz? That’s not just any bishop. That is the Ketteler Statue. It represents Wilhelm Emmanuel Freiherr von Ketteler. He was a prominent Bishop of Mainz. Many tourists mistake him for Cardinal Lehmann.
The Ketteler Statue has stood here since the mid-1990s. It honors Ketteler’s significant contributions as a “Sozialbischof” or social bishop. A Ketteler initiative advocated for this memorial. It is located near his former residence. His residence was sadly destroyed during wartime. Now a parking garage occupies that space.
Look closely at the dark stone stele behind the Ketteler Statue. It bears his name. It also depicts key moments of his life. However, the initiative behind the statue felt that the monument doesn’t fully capture his life or legacy.
Ketteler served as the Bishop of Mainz for 27 years. He died in 1877. He was a powerful figure known for his words and deeds.
Exploring Mainz for traces of Bishop Ketteler starts perfectly here at Bischofsplatz. His seventh successor, Cardinal Lehmann, also lived and worked here. From here, it is only a short walk to Augustinergasse. There you will find the Episcopal Priest Seminary. Bishop Ketteler re-established it in Mainz in 1851. The seminary had been moved to Giessen for a long time.
Ketteler was deeply concerned about workers. He addressed the social issues of the 19th century. His ideas led to several important establishments in Mainz. These include the Bischöfliche Willigis-Schule. Also included are the Ketteler-Schulen and the Ketteler-Kolleg. The Ketteler-Kolleg is the only Catholic evening high school in Rhineland-Palatinate. These institutions embody Ketteler’s commitment to education and social reform.
The Ketteler-Cardijn-Werk is also committed to his vision. This organization helps young people enter or re-enter the workforce. It provides them with support and qualifications.
Not far from the Ketteler-Kolleg, Ketteler delivered fiery speeches. This happened at the first German Catholic Day in 1848. He spoke against the exploitation of workers. He also advocated for the freedom of the Church and Christian schools.
Two years later, at the young age of 39, he became a bishop. He returned to Mainz. He then implemented his ideas through foundations and institutions.
If you follow the road from the Ketteler-Kolleg, you’ll reach Finthen. There you will find the Ketteler-Strasse. Bishop Ketteler founded a branch of the Sisters of Divine Providence here. This marked the revival of religious life. It had almost disappeared after the French Revolution. Ketteler wanted these sisters to focus on girls’ education and nursing. Today, about 750 sisters continue his work worldwide.
In Mainz-Mombach, the Herz-Jesu Church honors Bishop Ketteler. This area has a traditionally working-class population. Initially, the chapel was intended as his burial site. However, World War I intervened. His tomb remains in Mainz Cathedral.
Speaking of which, Ketteler’s journey culminates at Mainz Cathedral. He found his final resting place there. The Ketteler Statue reminds us of his lasting impact. It encourages reflection on social justice. It also reminds us to stand up for the marginalized.