A church rebuilt from ashes. That’s Sankt Vicelin in Lubeck. This Roman Catholic church stands as a testament to faith resilience and the spirit of a community. Originally constructed in 1955-56 it was a response to the influx of Catholic refugees after World War II. The Bonifatiusverein generously funded the project. Local Catholics helped build the foundations. Its consecration in 1956 was a joyous occasion. Every attendee had to bring their own chair.
Sankt Vicelin experienced significant growth. An extension was added in 1966. This included a larger parish hall and youth rooms. A central heating system improved comfort. The altar area was redesigned in 1974. Extensive renovations followed between 1983 and 1985. The church received a new copper roof. The floor was replaced with natural stone. The tower was modified to accommodate four bells.
Tragedy struck on May 25 1997. A devastating fire gutted the church leaving only the walls. A firebomb ignited a nearby shed containing camping gas cylinders. The flames quickly spread. The total damage amounted to approximately 1.5 million Deutschmarks. Right-wing extremism was suspected. Swastikas and the name of the pastor of the neighboring St Marien Evangelical church were scrawled on the ruins. The pastor faced threats because he gave sanctuary to an Algerian family. The arson attack was part of a series of similar incidents that shook Lubeck in the 1990s. The main perpetrator was identified and convicted. The Lubeck Regional Court sentenced him to probation. The judgment became final after the Federal Court of Justice rejected an appeal.
Remarkably Sankt Vicelin was rebuilt. Architect Klaus Dörnen created a redesigned structure. The church was rededicated on May 23 1999. A new organ was blessed in November of the same year. The redesigned interior boasts improved acoustics. It became a venue for chamber choir and organ music. Many renowned artists performed there. This included Martin Haselböck Matthias Höfs Gunar Letzbor and the Szymanowski Quartet. The main altar now holds a central position illuminated by a large skylight. Thirty narrow windows added to the new lighting concept. Small chapels named the “Room of Silence” and “Mary’s Conche” were incorporated into the north and south walls. The story of Sankt Vicelin is one of unwavering faith overcoming adversity. Its history reflects the dynamic spirit of Lubeck. It’s a story of rebuilding and renewal. It’s a place where the past and present meet in harmony.