Had you been bitten by a rabid dog in 1727, this is where you might have found solace. This is the story of the Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz, a testament to faith. It is also a tale of gratitude in the face of adversity.
In 1727, a woman from Ückesdorf, a small village near Bonn, suffered a terrible ordeal. She was bitten by a rabid dog. In those days, rabies was a death sentence. Desperate, she and her husband turned to Saint Hubertus for help. Saint Hubertus was known as the protector against rabies.
The couple made a pilgrimage. They went barefoot to Saint-Hubert in the Ardennes. There they prayed at the saint’s grave. Miraculously, the woman recovered. In gratitude, the couple brought a statue of Saint Hubertus back to Ückesdorf. They placed it in the local chapel.
The chapel had been built in 1718 by Michael Rheindorf. He was a vicar at the Cassius-Stift in Bonn. The Rheindorf family maintained the chapel. The chapel was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
The statue of Saint Hubertus marked a change. The chapel became associated with the saint. People began to venerate Saint Hubertus here. Eventually, the chapel was rededicated to Saint Hubertus. The Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz stands as a reminder of this story.
The chapel itself is a testament to history. It is an old timber-framed building. It features a three-sided choir and a small, slated roof turret. A bell named Barbara hangs in the turret. The interior has a flat barrel vault. It is adorned with simple stucco relief.
Inside the Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz, the altar draws the eye. The central panel depicts Peter in chains. At the base is a hunting scene. It is similar to a nativity scene. Red columns with golden foliage flank the altar.
Two slender reliquaries stand near the altar. They are pyramid-shaped and date back to the 17th century. A statue of Saint Hubertus stands on the right wall. A deer lies at his feet. On the left, a Madonna and Child statue, also from the 18th century.
The Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz received recognition in 2005. It won first prize in the city of Bonn’s facade competition. The chapel had been renovated by architect Boy-Gonne Holst. The renovation addressed deteriorating timber framing and water damage. The interior received new colors and dimmable lighting.
The jury praised the restoration. They noted the responsible preservation of the chapel and its surroundings. The Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz and its grounds form an important historical site. They also provide a place of gathering for the community. The Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz exemplifies civic engagement. Its care reflects a long tradition of private initiative in Ückesdorf. Even in 1859, residents had extensively repaired the church.
So, as you stand here, remember the story of faith. Remember the story of healing. Consider the Sankt Hubertus-Kreuz. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of hope. It is a tribute to the enduring power of community.