The chapel in Nesvačilce near Brno is heading for approval after ten years of construction

photo: RCNKSK

Nesvačilka – Two hundred people came yesterday morning to the pilgrimage mass in Nesvačilka in the Brno region, which took place in front of the newly built chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows. In January, it will mark ten years since the start of construction, which primarily arose from donations. As the local priest and spiritual administrator of Nesvačilka, René Strouhal, told ČTK, the building is now nearing completion and the blessing is tentatively scheduled for next May.

"On Friday, we installed five-meter high oak doors that weigh 460 kilograms. Because of their weight, it was necessary to devise an installation that would direct the pressure mainly into the ground while also allowing the doors to be easily opened. And since many people would like to peek inside even in winter, there is a peephole placed there for a good view of the interior," Strouhal stated.

Currently, workers are finishing the interior work on the building, particularly on the chancel. Work is also ongoing on liturgical furnishings to ensure the chapel is equipped for worship. "Work is also continuing on the pews, which will ultimately be foldable. Originally, we wanted them to be in one piece, but it turned out to be impractical due to concerts and services, when it is sometimes necessary to adapt the space," the priest added.

The pilgrimage mass at the chapel is held every year as close as possible to the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which falls on September 15. "The project also includes the completion of park landscaping and the construction of a road to the chapel. Once that is finished, we can proceed with the occupancy permit. Hopefully, it will be completed before the blessing next year, which we tentatively plan for May 8," the priest noted.

The construction, designed by architect Jan Říčný, has so far cost about 18 million CZK. The local parish obtained most of the funds from donations from believers, people could adopt panels on the façade of the chapel, and a campaign was held on the portals HitHit and Donio, as well as receiving support from the South Moravian Region. According to the priest, some companies donated materials, while others provided labor at just the cost of materials, and many people came to help during work days. Meanwhile, people in Nesvačilka established an association that began collecting funds for the construction of the chapel as early as 1920.