“A Missetat” that’s how it all began. Right here, in front of the St. Annen Kapelle, we delve into a tale of sacrilege, redemption, and enduring faith. This seemingly modest chapel holds within its walls a story that stretches back over half a millennium. The St. Annen Kapelle is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring power of belief and the importance of community.
In 1516, during the annual Jakobskirmes, a festival honoring St. James, a crime shook the nearby Stiftskirche. Church robbers stole the ciborium. It contained consecrated hosts. Their interest lay only in the golden chalice. They carelessly discarded the hosts under a bush. The hosts were later found.
This act of desecration led to the construction of a Sühnekapelle, a chapel of atonement. It was named Capelle Corporis Christi. This marked the spot as a holy site. Imagine the outrage and sorrow that rippled through Rellinghausen. The community decided to build a chapel. It would atone for the sacrilege.
The original chapel was a small timber-framed structure on a stone base. Its interior was plastered and adorned with paintings. This humble chapel served its purpose for nearly two centuries.
By the late 17th century, the Sühnekapelle had fallen into disrepair. In 1693, Conrad Fischer received the commission to build a new chapel on the same site. The new building was completed in 1707. The St. Annen Kapelle is an example of local, rural Baroque architecture.
The St. Annen Kapelle stands as a testament to time. It has a three-sided quarry stone construction. A roof turret crowns the ridge. It is a striking yet simple structure.
Over the centuries, the St. Annen Kapelle underwent several changes. From 1841 to 1843, six of the twelve windows were bricked up. The north facade entrance was closed. The elliptical vault was removed. A flat mirror ceiling replaced it. This intervention damaged the roof. The original vault was later restored.
Restoration work between 1973 and 1975 revealed valuable information about the building’s chronology and modifications. In 1985, the St. Annen Kapelle was placed under monument protection.
The altar base dates back to the original chapel. The altar structure was built around 1710. The bell was cast in 1526. These elements connect the St. Annen Kapelle to its past.
To this day, a procession takes place every year on July 25. It is the feast day of St. Anne. It commemorates the desecration of the sacrament through the host robbery. The procession leads from the St. Annen Kapelle to the St. Lambertus collegiate church.
The St. Annen Kapelle is not just a historical landmark. It is a living symbol of faith, repentance, and community. The St. Annen Kapelle stands as a reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future.
The simplicity of the room is emphasized by the restrained, honeycomb-shaped glazing. Today, the St. Annen Kapelle is a place of pilgrimage and reflection. It offers solace to those who seek it.