After more than a century of religious service, Ernster's St. Joseph's Church has found a new calling as a community hub, embracing a social mission to support refugees and disadvantaged families following its deconsecration.
The Ernster church, which first held mass in 1892, has undergone a significant transformation. Initially built to serve local residents who had to travel to Hostert for religious services, St. Joseph's Church has been deconsecrated as of 1 January and now belongs to the municipality, along with 25 other buildings in Luxembourg.
Despite its deconsecration, the church remains active in supporting the community. It has been repurposed to collect clothes for refugees and assist the most disadvantaged families. This initiative aligns with the Pope's 2020 call to welcome, protect, and integrate refugees, a message embraced by local volunteers.
Before its deconsecration, the church served as a venue for these efforts, which have continued in the form of a second-hand shop now operating in the historic building. Originally intended to support refugees, the shop now helps all those in need.
While some residents found it difficult to accept the church's deconsecration, many have embraced its new role in fostering solidarity and addressing social issues. The mayor has praised this new chapter as a meaningful continuation of the church’s primary vocation of service.
Currently, more than 80 families benefit from the church's resources regularly. The deconsecration took place in 2023, but neither the cardinal nor the bishop attended the event. The Management Fund for Religious Buildings and Other Property belonging to the Catholic Faith ("Kierchefong") oversaw the removal of the tabernacle and relics from the altar, though the cross was retained by the local authority.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
