MATER DOLORASA CHURCH
The Church which reflects the Christianity is situated in Samsun. It was built by Capuchin Monks in 1846 in order to serve Samsun’s catholic people and Rome Catholic Church. This historical, marvellous structure has a deep and significant history telling and symbolizing hard situation of religious people.
HISTORY
Italian Capuchin Monks living in Georgia had under a lot of pressure by community due to their religion hence, they had to leave their country and set off in order to experience a new life, new beginning. Within this journey, they met the other expatriate persons who were the Latin Catholics. At the end of their travel, these people settled Samsun and built a wooden church named Mater Dolorasa in 1846 in order to freely worship. They also established many churches in different places like Giresun and Trabzon in same period.
Afterwards, Italian woman donated her own land to these Maristes priests hence they constructed a church and a home over this terrain; it was firstly established a monastery and school by these grand priest to educate or discipline the children of town with the help of nuns who were the members of Saint Joseph religious order in 1851.Its name was French Catholic School.
Especially, in Ottoman Period, during the reign of Sultan V Murat, there was toleration between Christians, Muslims and the other religions hence; this miraculous construction was rebuilt which symbolizes tolerance and peace in 1876. After two years, French Consulate took the responsibility of the church to keep alive and protect it.
HISTORY
Italian Capuchin Monks living in Georgia had under a lot of pressure by community due to their religion hence, they had to leave their country and set off in order to experience a new life, new beginning. Within this journey, they met the other expatriate persons who were the Latin Catholics. At the end of their travel, these people settled Samsun and built a wooden church named Mater Dolorasa in 1846 in order to freely worship. They also established many churches in different places like Giresun and Trabzon in same period.
Afterwards, Italian woman donated her own land to these Maristes priests hence they constructed a church and a home over this terrain; it was firstly established a monastery and school by these grand priest to educate or discipline the children of town with the help of nuns who were the members of Saint Joseph religious order in 1851.Its name was French Catholic School.
Especially, in Ottoman Period, during the reign of Sultan V Murat, there was toleration between Christians, Muslims and the other religions hence; this miraculous construction was rebuilt which symbolizes tolerance and peace in 1876. After two years, French Consulate took the responsibility of the church to keep alive and protect it.
In 1885, when the building was completed, a monastery providing the monks to live here and an appendix taking a place Christian Family to rent were added next to the church. At the same time a graveyard was found there and the walls of the church were decorated with icons and frescoes.
But later from other periods to our day, some groups like Young Turks tried to demolish this magnificent church in 1913; when they took over the holy building, these priests had to survive a little neglected room, poor ground. They lead a poor life a long time.
In 1966, being a very significant historical figure, Father Roberto Ferrari Umile served this amazing church. Nuncio visited the monastery to see him hence; he organized a pageant here and left from the church in 1973. In 1998, there were made various renovation studies about the wonderful church by main Father Ruggero Francesch and Elena and Nico.
Today the wonderful construction having multicultural and multi ethnic past, is open to the visitors. It also leaves the domestic and the foreign tourist breathes its fascinating architectural features.
ARCHITECTURE
This unique masterpieces church measured 8 m x 12 m. A cemetery and a cloister were added next to that amazing construction in 1885. There are special rooms for the priests or monks to rest and pray here.
Except for that, the church grabs the visitors its dreamy and spectacular frescos, icons including Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and angel pictures on its walls. Moreover, those windows enlighten inside which creates mystic and magical atmospehere.
But later from other periods to our day, some groups like Young Turks tried to demolish this magnificent church in 1913; when they took over the holy building, these priests had to survive a little neglected room, poor ground. They lead a poor life a long time.
In 1966, being a very significant historical figure, Father Roberto Ferrari Umile served this amazing church. Nuncio visited the monastery to see him hence; he organized a pageant here and left from the church in 1973. In 1998, there were made various renovation studies about the wonderful church by main Father Ruggero Francesch and Elena and Nico.
Today the wonderful construction having multicultural and multi ethnic past, is open to the visitors. It also leaves the domestic and the foreign tourist breathes its fascinating architectural features.
ARCHITECTURE
This unique masterpieces church measured 8 m x 12 m. A cemetery and a cloister were added next to that amazing construction in 1885. There are special rooms for the priests or monks to rest and pray here.
Except for that, the church grabs the visitors its dreamy and spectacular frescos, icons including Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and angel pictures on its walls. Moreover, those windows enlighten inside which creates mystic and magical atmospehere.
Content Author : Ebrar OKÇU
Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT
Published : 22 January 2015
Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT
Published : 22 January 2015
