St. Clare Church
The first Catholic church was built in 1747, at the same spot where it is today, precisely where the stairs to the church choir are now.
The first Catholic churchin Novi Bečej was made of adobe and was dedicated to St. Valentine. That is how Novi Bečej got an independent Catholic parish, at the request of Maria Theresa. Unfortunately, the small chapel collapsed in 1800, but thanks to Klara Sisanji’s donation, the cornerstone of the new church was laid on 15th October in 1804.
The church was built and sanctified at the end of October in 1809, thanks to Catholic believers and Novi Bečej municipality. Sanctifying the church was a very special event for citizens of Novi Bečej. Unfortunately, Klara Sisanji did not attend that festive moment. She had to escape from Vienna to Romania because of the invasion of Napoleon's army in Austria. The church was sanctified by Čanad clergyman JozefKesegi. At her request, the church is dedicated to St. Clare of Assisi, and out of reverence for the earlier patron of the church, one altar is dedicated to St. Vandelin. Klara sent the paining of St. Clare of Assisi as a gift to the church and hardworking grain merchants donated 500 forints for the interior decoration of the Catholic church on the day of its consecration. One of the side altars was dedicated to St.Vandelin, and thanks to donations of 170 forints, given by a butcher KarnaszIstván, the altar got the paining of its saint. The altar on the other side was dedicated to St. Nicolas, patron saint of Croatian grain traders in Novi Bečej, and it also has the painting of its saint. Another special altar, placed in front of the choir, was equipped with donations given by the members of the church.
The church itself, together with its members bought three bells in Timisoara. The church bought the largest bell 700kg heavy, and together with clerk LudovicPavek, the church bought the other one 325kg heavy, and the third bell 241kg heavy.
An interesting and rich history of this church, made up of valuable historical data and relics, is open for visits upon announcement and is a true pearl of sacral architecture in the center of Novi Bečej.
Other sights
St. Clare Church
Monastery near the Tisa
