New Mother Mary Chapel” at the entrance to Heimbach-Weis!

New Mother Mary Chapel” at the entrance to Heimbach-Weis!

Something very special is currently happening at the entrance to Heimbach-Weis in Neuwied: a new “holy house” is being installed. This small religious site has a long history, dating back to the 1970s when the original shrine was demolished. Now things are finally moving forward the Rhine newspaper reported. The cast concrete parts have already been put in place and the Pro Heimbach-Weis association is positive about the progress.

The new chapel will have a floor plan of 2.5 x 2.5 meters and is called “Mother Mary Chapel”. This name was inspired by a saying from the tower of the Heimbach church, which focuses on the veneration of Mary: "Say to my child, where are you going? Think that I am your mother, never pass me without saying hello."

A piece of history

The Heiligenhäuschen at the fork between Sayner Straße and Ötzbachweg used to be a place of reflection and piety. Nowadays, older citizens still remember this small but beautiful part of their homeland well. Although the exact reason for the demolition of the original saint's house is unclear, it is believed that it was related to road expansion, as the Pro Heimbach-Weis website explains: Per Heimbach-Weis further explains that comparable holy houses not only represent faith, but are also considered cultural heritage for the region.

In Germany, chapels can be built without canonical approval as long as you have the necessary building permit. However, a blessing by the local parish is recommended to promote the community aspect. Architect Günter Heinrich designed the chapel, which symbolically represents two stylized hands. These are intended to represent protection and security and thus convey the message of Marian devotion into the present.

The meaning of the saint's houses

Holy houses are more than just buildings; they are an expression of faith and tradition. These small religious buildings to protect figures or images of saints can be traced back to the early 13th century Wikipedia. They are often located on streets and paths, serve as places of reflection and can be used as stations during processions.

The new building in Heimbach-Weis is not only intended to be a place of worship, but also to appeal to younger generations and promote community. Oswald Höfer describes the historical significance of such holy houses for the travelers and hikers who passed them at night and publicly expressed their faith. It is therefore important to see the new chapel not only as a religious but also as a social project.

The initiative to build the new saint's house creates a hopeful mood in the community. The aim is not only to bring back a little bit of the past, but also to create a platform for dialogue and exchange in order to revitalize and reinterpret the town of Heimbach-Weis.