St. Francis

History:

• The progressive church building in the 1950s served as part of the demonstrative building project "Am Dodeshaus" for the planned settlement of Dodesheide.
• The first design was built by master church builder Rudolf Schwarz, but he died during the planning phase. His wife, Paul Eling and Günther Fiedler continued the planning and construction.  The plan was for a community centre with a church, rectory, kindergarten, youth rooms and senior citizens' home, which R. Schwarz envisioned like an old monastery complex. The architect's basic idea for the interior was a "city of the community". The light centres of the chancel, baptistery and Lady chapel are to create community.
• Clear, restrained formal language is to convey the message of the church patron Francis. The church is also dedicated to the memory of Bishop Francis Demann, who died in 1957 directly after the consecration of the bishop.

Stories / Legends:

• Damiani Cross:
• The original, probably dating from the 12th century, is located in the little church of San Damiano outside the walls of Assisi, decorated with the Passion of Christ. Francis is said to have often prayed before this cross. There God instructed him: "Go and restore my house, which, as you know, is in danger of falling apart"

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