Brno Bishopric will invest tens of millions of crowns this year, wants a new chapel

Brno - The Diocese of Brno will spend tens of millions of Czech crowns this year on the revitalization of historical monuments, the expansion of educational institutions, and the construction of new spiritual sites. Priorities include the restoration of the Rosa Coeli monastery in Dolní Kounice near Brno, the extension of the Bishop's Gymnasium in Brno, and the construction of the St. Christopher Chapel at the D1 highway near Velké Meziříčí. The goal is to preserve historical heritage while adapting the spaces to modern needs. The diocese informed about this in a press release today.

Work on the revitalization of the ruins of the Rosa Coeli monastery began last November. "Due to the age of the monument, it is necessary to proceed with appropriate sensitivity and respect. We are trying to ensure that the imprint we leave is worthwhile and has real added value," said Aleš Taufar, head of the construction department.

The former home of the Premonstratensians from the 12th century was supported by the diocese last year with a sum of 3.6 million crowns. This year, the focus will be on restoring the perimeter wall, building a new information center, and transforming the space in front of the monastery. Approximately 18 million crowns will be allocated for this purpose, with an additional 17 million crowns provided by a grant from the Integrated Regional Operational Program (IROP).

This year, work will also continue on the extension of the new wing of the gymnasium in Brno. The spaces will be expanded to include classrooms for teaching chemistry, physics, and information technology. Two new classes for the nursery school will also be added. Estimated costs amount to 50 million crowns, with about 25 million crowns covered by a European grant. In addition to new classrooms, the school will offer a Christian pedagogical-psychological counseling service. Its establishment will cost the diocese 16.2 million crowns, with a grant of around six million crowns anticipated as well.

The diocese also aims to advance the construction of the St. Christopher Chapel this year. It will be located on a gentle slope above Velké Meziříčí by the D1 highway on land owned by the Road and Motorway Directorate, which plans to build a rest area nearby with food service options. The chapel is intended to serve as a place for quiet reflection and rest for all motorists, regardless of whether they are believers or not. Estimated costs are six million crowns.

The diocese invests millions annually in the rescue, repair, or reconstruction of sacred buildings or schools. Last year, for example, it completed the modernization of the Catholic Gymnasium in Třebíč and the renovation of St. James' Church in Brno. "The repairs of both historical and more modern buildings in our diocese are not just about restoring walls and stones. It's about preserving our history and preparing for the future. We want these spaces to continue being vibrant places where people can meet, pray together, learn, and grow," said Bishop Pavel Konzbul of Brno.