Parish Graz-Sorrowful Mother

The Lazarist Church of the Painful Mother, also known as Marienkirche or Church of the Painful Mother, is a Roman Catholic church located in the Lend district of Graz, specifically in the fourth district.The church is known as the parish church of Graz-Painful Mother (Marienpfarre) in the deanery of Graz-Nord, which is part of the Stadtkirche Graz. Additionally, it serves as the monastery church for the mission house of the Lazarists Graz, as well as the provincial office and study house for the order.This is located right next to the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy Graz, also known as the Vincentines or Daughters of Love.

During the latter half of the 19th century, the Lazarists, an order of male religious practitioners, established themselves in Graz’s Bahnhofsviertel district. Their primary focus was providing pastoral care to the impoverished members of the community.

The church building was constructed based on the architectural plans of Friedrich von Schmidt, who also designed the Vienna City Hall. It was built in the style of historicism between 1856 and 1858, with master builder Karl Aichinger overseeing the execution of the project.The Lazarist Church is a modest brick building with a single aisle. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, it suffered significant damage from bombs due to its close proximity to Graz Central Station.Following the war, the exterior facade was meticulously restored to accurately reflect its original design. Additionally, the decorative figures adorning the facade have been traced back to the 19th century.

The entrance portal is adorned with sandstone reliefs depicting the Annunciation and Coronation of Mary.The high altar is adorned with the figures of Saint Vincent de Paul, John the Evangelist, Mary Magdalene, and two angels.The artist Jakob Gschiel created the statues of St. Joseph, the teaching Christ, and Maria Immaculata that are located on the pulpit roof.

The front gallery of the old organ, constructed by Matthäus Mauracher in the 1860s, is still on display.Since 2007, the Lazarist Church in Graz has replaced its traditional church organ with a digital organ manufactured by Viscount.