The parish in the Brno-Lesná housing estate wants to start building a church in a year

Brno - The Roman Catholic parish in the Brno housing estate of Lesná plans to start the construction of a new church on Nezvalova Street next year. It has a completed project and is waiting for a change in the zoning decision and the building permit approval. The church, designed by architect Marek Štěpán, features a circular floor plan and a stand-alone tower, and he has repeatedly worked on sacred buildings. The church will accommodate 400 people.

The parish has been collecting funds for several years from the faithful - literally by collecting coins, which they received from people withdrawing small change from circulation. Over the years, more than 50,000 people have contributed various amounts. So far, approximately 50 million crowns have been raised, said Pastor Pavel Hověz. Construction costs are estimated to be about fifty percent higher, so fundraising continues. A precise budget is not yet available. The parish is prepared to take out a loan if necessary.

In the project, the architect aimed for a visually simple and clear structure with a restrained interior. "We have so much available information, visual and other stimuli, attacking us from all sides, that the space of the church should be a space of silence, a space free from this visual smog," Štěpán stated. Given the housing estate surroundings, he chose exposed concrete combined with colored glazing as the construction material. There is a large circular window around the entire perimeter under the roof.

The 31-meter high tower will stand independently. At its top, the architect has placed an observation deck and a carillon. The parishioners wished for an environmentally friendly church. Therefore, a heat pump will be used for heating, and there are considerations for solar collectors on the roof.

The topic of the church has been discussed in Lesná since the late 1960s. "I remember that civic amenities were lacking there. Spiritual support was completely missing," recalled witness Václav Benda. In 2004, as the first step towards a fully-fledged temple, the Spiritual Center of P. Martin Středa and Blessed Marie Restituta was opened. The new church, located right next to the center, will be dedicated to the nun Restituta, a native of Brno who was executed by the Nazis.

After 1989, 13 new churches and 39 chapels were built in the Brno diocese, as well as a convent of Clares in Soběšice and three spiritual centers. The bishopric does not decide on new constructions from above. "Churches and chapels arise in places where there is a long-term need from local believers," said the bishop's delegate for liturgy and culture, Jan Mráz. Churches are being prepared in the housing estates of Líšeň and Kohoutovice.