Sacred Heritage: Strasbourg
A historical journey through the spiritual heart of Alsace, exploring centuries of faith, governance, and cultural significance.
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The Archdiocese of Strasbourg
Ancient Roots
The Archdiocese of Strasbourg, a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory, traces its origins back to at least 343 AD. It stands as one of the nine archdioceses in France that operates without any suffragan dioceses, holding a unique position as an exempt archdiocese directly subject to the Holy See, rather than being part of a metropolitan ecclesiastical province.
Historical Significance
For centuries, the Bishop of Strasbourg also served as the ruler of an ecclesiastical principality within the Holy Roman Empire. This dual role shaped its history, intertwining spiritual leadership with temporal governance, particularly during the Middle Ages and Early Modern periods.
Unique Status
The archdiocese's distinct status is further highlighted by its direct relationship with the Holy See and its historical ties to the Concordat of 1801. This unique ecclesiastical and administrative framework has allowed it to maintain specific traditions and legal particularities, especially within the context of Alsace-Moselle law.
A Chronicle of Faith and Governance
Early Foundations
The Diocese of Strasbourg is first referenced around 346 AD, though the authenticity of early records is debated. Archaeological findings suggest a church structure dating to the late 4th or early 5th century, potentially serving as the initial episcopal seat. Historically, it was part of the ecclesiastical province of Mainz.
Prince-Bishopric Era
From Carolingian times, the bishop held significant temporal power as a prince-bishop in the Holy Roman Empire. This era saw the granting of rights like coining money and extensive land ownership, shaping the region's political and religious landscape for centuries.
French Annexation and Concordat
The region, including Strasbourg, was annexed by France under Louis XIV in 1681. The French Revolution brought significant upheaval, including the confiscation of church property and the reorganisation of dioceses. The Concordat of 1801, negotiated between Napoleon and the Pope, re-established the diocese of Strasbourg, integrating it into the French administrative and religious framework while preserving certain local particularities.
Modern Transformations
Following World War I, Alsace and its diocese returned to France. The Concordat's provisions were maintained under the local law of Alsace-Moselle. In 1988, the Diocese of Strasbourg was elevated to an Archdiocese by Pope John Paul II, reinforcing its distinct status.
Statistical Overview
Geographical Scope
The Archdiocese covers an area of 8,280 km² (3,200 sq mi), encompassing the historical region of Alsace.
Demographics
As of recent data (circa 2022), the total population is approximately 1,903,000, with Catholics constituting about 1,388,000 (72.9%) of the populace.
Pastoral Reach
The archdiocese manages 767 parishes, served by a dedicated clergy. This includes 328 diocesan priests and 156 priests from religious orders, supported by 88 permanent deacons.
Leadership and Succession
Current Archbishop
The current Archbishop of Strasbourg is Pascal Delannoy, who was installed on April 21, 2024. His appointment marks a new chapter in the archdiocese's leadership.
Auxiliary and Emeritus
Assisting the Archbishop are Auxiliary Bishops, such as Christian Kratz. The archdiocese also benefits from the wisdom of its Bishops Emeritus, including Joseph Doré and Jean-Pierre Grallet, who continue to contribute to the Church's life.
Historical Succession
The archdiocese maintains extensive records of its bishops and archbishops, dating back to the 4th century. This lineage reflects a continuous spiritual and administrative presence through various historical epochs, from the early Church to the present day.
Sacred Edifices
Strasbourg Cathedral
The archiepiscopal seat is the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame (Our Lady) in Strasbourg. This architectural marvel is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a testament to centuries of Gothic and Romanesque artistry and devotion.
Minor Basilicas
Beyond the cathedral, the archdiocese is home to four Minor Basilicas, each a significant pilgrimage and spiritual center:
- Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Lutterbach
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Marienthal
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Thierenbach in Jungholtz
- Basilique Notre-Dame du Mont Sainte-Odile in Ottrott
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References
References
- For this state in early modern times, see Prince-Bishopric of Strasbourg.
- Grandidier, Oeuvres historiques inédites, vol. 1, pp. 28-42.
- Grandidier, Oeuvres historiques inédites, vol. 1, pp. 104-105.
- Gallia christiana vol. 5, p. 787.
- Grandidier, Oeuvres historiques inédites, vol. 2, p. 13.
- Grandidier, Oeuvres historiques inédites, vol. 2, p. 363.
- Joseph Bergin, Church, Society and Religious Change in France, 1580â1730 (New Haven: Yale UP 2009), pp. 114, 201.
- Pisani, pp. 10-11.
- "Civil Constitution," Title I, "Article 1. Chaque département formera un seul diocèse, et chaque diocèse aura la même étendue et les mêmes limites que le département."
- Duvergier, p. 242.
- Jean, p. 248.
- Pisani, p. 242. Brendel resigned his episcopal and priestly position.
- Hippolyte Taine, The Origins of Contemporary France. The Modern Régime, Volume 1 (H. Holt, 1890), p. 153.
- Duvergier, Vol. 13, p.318. The law was published by an arrété of 18 April 1802.
- Reginhardus: Gallia christiana V, p. 787, no. XXX.
- Baldramus: Gallia christiana V, pp. 787-789, no. XXXI.
- Grandidier (1778), Histoire de l'église et des Evêques-Princes de Strasbourg, Vol. 2, pp. 273-281 .
- Bishop Rudolf died on 19 October 1179. Wentzke, Resgesten I, part 2, pp. 342-347.
- Henri de Stahleck was already bishop on 18 November 1245. He died on 4 March 1260. Hessel & Krebs, Regesten der Bischöfe von Strassburg vol. 2, pp. 93-175.
- Walther was elected on 27 March 1260. He died on 12 February 1263. Hessel & Krebs, Regesten der Bischöfe von Strassburg vol. 2, pp. 177-220.
- Robert de Bavière (= of Bavaria) was appointed on 11 November 1440 by Pope Eugenius IV. He died on 18 October 1478. Eubel, Hierarchia catholica II, p. 94.
- Leopold Erzherzog von Ãsterreich-Tyrol, Mr. Léopold d'Autriche-Tyrol) (24 November 1607 - retired 19 April 1626), died 1632. Gauchat, Hierarchia catholica IV, p. 93 with note 3.
- (1715.02.04 â death 1716.02.24), Titular Bishop of Nyssa (1715.02.04 â 1716.02.24).Ritzler & Sefrin Hierarchia catholica V, p. 295 with note 2.
- Riccius was Titular Bishop of Verinopolis (1739.10.11 â 1756.05.12)
- (13 December 1826 - death 27 August 1842), previously Bishop of Aire (France) ([1823.01.13] 1823.05.16 â 1827.04.09)
- Marbach: (1891.06.04 â death 1901.09), Titular Bishop of Paphos (1891.06.04 â 1916.10.15)
- Léon Hégelé: (1985.09.09 â retired 2000.12.18), Titular Bishop of Utica (1985.09.09 â death 2014.02.11)
- Doré: (23 October 1997 - 25 August 2006 Resigned), stayed on as Apostolic Administrator of Strasbourg (2006.08.25 â retired 2007.04.21)
- Delanoy had previously been Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint-Denis (2009 - 2024)
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This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Archdiocese of Strasbourg.
This is not official ecclesiastical guidance or historical consultancy. The information presented here should not be considered a substitute for consulting official Church documents, historical archives, or seeking advice from qualified religious or historical scholars. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the creators are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated content.
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