Dreaming of divine love in brick and mortar? Then welcome to St. Lukas Church. It is more than just a house of worship. St. Lukas stands as a testament to community spirit and architectural evolution in Vienna’s Simmering district.
Let’s step back to the 1960s. Vienna was expanding and new community housing projects were growing. The Archdiocese of Vienna recognized the need for a new spiritual center. This area was then part of the Altsimmering parish. A decision was made to create a new parish. The land for St. Lukas was generously donated by Altsimmering.
The church’s foundation stone was laid in spring 1988 by Auxiliary Bishop Florian Kuntner. By November of the same year, St. Lukas was established. The first Sunday service took place on April 2, 1989. Archbishop Hans Hermann Groër dedicated the three bells, kindergarten, parish hall and rectory on December 23, 1989. He consecrated St. Lukas Church itself on March 4, 1990.
St. Lukas is now a branch church of the Parish of Divine Love. This merger occurred on April 1, 2018. The parishes of Hasenleiten and Neusimmering were also joined. St. Lukas remains an active and cherished part of its community. It serves as the church for the St. Lukas sub-community.
The church is located on Anton-Steinböck-Gasse 6. It is near the edge of Vienna’s Central Cemetery. St. Lukas’s location highlights its role as a place of reflection and peace.
Interestingly, the parish of St. Lukas includes the Dr. Karl Lueger Memorial Church. St. Lukas stands as a symbol of faith, community, and ongoing development in Vienna. So, when you think of St. Lukas, remember its journey. Remember the generosity that built it and the community it continues to serve.