The Franziskustreff: about our founder.

The Liebfrauenkirche in the centre of Frankfurt is a popular meeting place for many people. When Brother Wendelin came here more than thirty years ago, many homeless people were also staying in the church. Seeking shelter from the wind and weather. And because they found help there: There was a bread counter at the gate. There was also a Sunday breakfast for homeless people. But this offer was still largely unstructured. At that time, there were no facilities for personal hygiene and laundry care for those living on the streets. The church smelled accordingly. In addition, people who were drunk or mentally ill due to their situation disturbed the church service and silent prayer.

So Brother Wendelin was entrusted with the task of organising help for the homeless at the Liebfrauenkloster.

First steps

Brother Wendelin set to work and was able to open the Franziskustreff for the first time on 24 November 1992. The early days were difficult. His starting capital was only DM 1,500. But he lived by his motto: "When God sends us the poor, he also cares for them." And indeed, the right people always came at the right time - with the right help.

The first helpers were quickly overwhelmed by the close proximity to the homeless and poor people. Wendelin therefore looked for helpers among the guests. Gradually, a circle of volunteers formed. They were more familiar with the difficulties of the task.

In September 1993, Sister Veronika Stolze, a Franciscan nun from Aachen, came to the Franziskustreff. She contributed her expertise as head of housekeeping. She improved the daily processes. She organised the purchasing. And providing more qualified support for the volunteers.

Renovated guest room

The Liebfrauenkloster was renovated from 1996 to 1998. During this time, the Franziskustreff worked temporarily in the parish hall of the cathedral parish. On 24 June 1998, Bishop Kamphaus inaugurated the renovated and much more beautiful Franziskustreff. Thanks in part to the dean of the city at the time, Klaus Greef, the food services of the Cathedral and the Franziskustreff merged here.

Dynamic development

Since then, the Franziskustreff has developed into an important drop-in centre with a special profile. A voluntary social counselling service was added. Many new offers. More and more support from all walks of life. Brother Wendelin passed away in 2010. To preserve his legacy, the German Capuchin Province established the Franziskustreff Foundation.

Since 2013, the charitable aid organisation, which is independent of the state and church, has taken care of operations - Brother Wendelin's legacy has been perpetuated. His greatest wish has been fulfilled: a lively, strong and, above all, helpful Franziskustreff.