Cath. monastery church St. Heinrich in Pirna
With the exception of the choir, which fell into disrepair and was removed after the Reformation, the exterior of the church today still presents the same picture as in the 15th century. After the introduction of the Reformation in 1539, the monastery was dissolved and the church was used for various secular purposes.
Due to the expulsion of Germans from the former German eastern territories, the number of Catholics in Pirna grew after the Second World War. It was not until 1952 that the church, which had been badly damaged (also by bombing), was leased and expanded by the Catholic community of Pirna. In 1957, the church was consecrated in the name of St. Heinrich, the husband of St. Kunigunde.
After the rededication, further exhibits were added:
A winged altar (around 1510 - predella from 2004), a mourning lime wood Madonna (around 1520), a baptismal font (1547) and two stained glass windows (around 1580).
The impressive altar ensemble was created in 1972 by the sculptor Friedrich Press, who is very well known in the Dresden area, on the theme of the good shepherd (Joh. 10.The artist wanted to set a sign of faith with the 6m high cross.
After 1989 the valuable wall paintings were secured and the church was renovated on the outside and partly also on the inside.
From September 2002 to December 2003 the church was restored due to the flood (new platforms and benches, heating).
The first organ was built by Jehmlich in 1962 and fell victim to the flood of August 2002. On 05 June 2005 we were able to inaugurate our new organ from the Vogt company. Many thanks to all donors, but also to the Regional Council.