“Lost and stolen.” That is the curious story of the fountain outside the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. Today, we are standing before a testament to faith, resilience, and a bit of thievery. Welcome to the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Let’s delve into the captivating story of this village landmark. Originally, a simple chapel stood here. It was on the Koller farmstead. Locals often called it Koller’s church because of this connection. In 1773, the chapel was transformed into the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. It became the village’s focal point.
However, the church faced difficult times. The period between World War II and 1992 brought significant damage. Thankfully, restoration efforts began in 1992. In July 1993, the church was reconsecrated. This event was part of a Czech-German border cooperation. The association of German natives from Künische Gemeinde Hammern also participated.
Inside the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, you will see Baroque artistry. A painting of the Virgin Mary is prominently displayed. It comes from the Religious Depository of the Prague Archdiocese. Also, a sculpture of Jesus Christ graces the interior. Otta Kolloros, a local native from Hůttstatt, donated it. The Madonna of the Virgin Mother with infant Jesus is another treasure. It is a folk sculpture carved from lime wood. It came from a demolished Nýrsko church. Contemporary glass underpainting by Prague Professor Jiří Patera adds a modern touch.
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows played a vital role in local record-keeping. In 1785, the parish office was established. The village began managing its register. Before this, records were maintained in Nýrsko and Dešenice. The Roman-Catholic parish office in Hamry kept these records until 1946. Later, authorities in various locations managed them. Finally, they returned to Nýrsko.
Now, about that granite fountain. It stands in front of the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. The fountain dates back to 1846. It is a cultural-historical monument. A curious tale surrounds this fountain. Thieves once stole it from Hamry. They tried to transport it across the border. Fortunately, they failed. The fountain was recovered. For a time, it even served as a molasses storage for livestock feed.
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is more than just a building. It embodies the community’s spirit and history. From its humble beginnings as a chapel to its reconsecration after years of neglect, it stands as a symbol of perseverance. The stolen fountain reminds us of the challenges faced and overcome. It is a place where art, history, and local stories intertwine. The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is an important landmark. It stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and a bit of thievery.