memory – UNCOVER + REMEMBER

This chapel constructed in the 11^th century by bishop Meinwerk (+1036) is dedicated to Brigid of Kildare (+523). The early Christian saint is, among other, patron saint for learning and healing.

Munich-based artist Christoph Brech – in close coordination with the Archdiocese Paderborn, the Metropolitan Chapter of the Paderborn Cathedral and the Independent Representation of the Affected – created a memorial for this site. It lends a voice to the victims of sexual abuse, displays the humanity-defying fault of the perpetrators, admits the failure of the institution of the church in handling this abuse, and encourages public engagement with this matter.

The idea of the memorial is based on the well-known game of pairs (German name: “memory”).  25 fields in a table construction pivot around their own axis. Under the identical surfaces there are 12 pairs of texts and photographs to discover, all contributed by the affected. Turning the fields brings their own stories and thoughts to light. The panels flip back automatically – a hint at the vulnerability of memories and to all the things that still remain hidden. The field in the middle cannot be turned over – it stands for all those cases that are still left in the dark.

Each upper side of the 25 panels is engraved with the words “Et gallus cantavit – And the rooster crew”. In the Passion of Christ this sentence confirms Jesus’ words that the apostle Peter will deny him three times even before the rooster crows.

The hymn “O eternal creator of all the world” by Ambrose of Milan from the 4^th century is written on the wall above the alter. Here the betrayal of Peter, of which the rooster´s crow reminds him, calls for a process of transformation in the confession of guilt, healing and reconciliation.

Three windows show colourfully shimmering rooster feathers thus providing a sheltering structure to prevent views from the outside; while letting light fall through the tinted glass, which may be seen as a metaphor for healing.

Outside over the entrance to the cathedral in the eastern wall glowing letters display “memory”. Once inside an overhead light-line accompanies the visitor down to the St.-Brigid’s-Chapel.