© Eric Ebstein / RTL
The church in Niederkorn is closed to the public as the diocese confronts a mould infestation, a situation that has emerged following water damage sustained during heavy summer rains.
The church in Niederkorn has been closed to the public since the end of October due to significant mould infestation discovered in September. The diocese anticipates extensive restoration work will be required.
The church suffered water damage earlier in the summer after heavy rainfall caused water to seep in at the junction between the roof and the wall. Although this damage was initially not apparent, its serious consequences emerged after the summer holidays.
During August, the church was not in use and therefore unheated. It was only later that church officials observed that one of the pillars had become heavily infested with mould. As investigations continued, it became clear that the mould had spread to other areas, extending all the way up to the rood screen, the decorative wall separating the nave from the choir.
A final mass was celebrated at the Niederkorn church in mid-October, but by the end of the month, officials decided to close the church completely. The All Saints' mass was subsequently held on 1 November at the Oberkorn church.
Gérard Kieffer, spokesman for the diocese, stated, "The church is hermetically sealed because we cannot assess the health risk at the moment." He noted that repairs to the church roof would begin shortly, after which specialists would analyse the mould to determine its level of danger. The diocese expects to receive the analysis results in early December.
Currently, Kieffer expresses limited optimism about a swift reopening of the church. He indicated that restoration work will likely be necessary, which may delay the resumption of services for at least six months.
In the meantime, services will be conducted at Saint-Joseph church in Differdange-Fousbann.
