‘Heart’ – A memorial against abuse within the Catholic Church

A broken, glowing heart floats in the chancel of Munich’s famous Cathedral (Munich Frauenkirche) as if in a misty haze – this impressive light installation, which we at WE ARE VIDEO were allowed to create for the unveiling of the ‘Heart’ memorial, sets the scene for this sculpture in a unique way.

The artwork has been standing on a white pillar on the altar island since Sunday evening, 9 February 2025, and commemorates the crime of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

The sculpture by Munich artist Michael Pendry was ceremoniously unveiled at a moving evening event with performances such as dance, music and poignant texts – by Richard Kick, spokesman for the Independent Advisory Board of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, and Cardinal Reinhard Marx.

The heart bears the title ‘Against Forgetting Abuse’ and visualises the vulnerability and pain of those affected by abuse. At the same time, it symbolises love, empathy and humanity.

WE ARE VIDEO had the honour of not only co-directing this special evening, but also creating an atmosphere with a delicate light projection on fog that visually underscored the emotions of the evening. The interplay of light and shadow made the broken golden heart seem to float and emphasised the message of the sculpture in an impressive way. The golden glow points the way to faith, love, confidence and healing.

Heart’ will be on display in the chancel of Munich Cathedral until Easter. After that, the sculpture will find a permanent home in the cathedral’s crypt – as a lasting reminder that the voices of those affected must be heard.

Photos: Archbishop’s Ordinariate Munich (Erzbischöfliches Ordinariat München)/Lennart Preiss