Have you noticed the quiet reverence that seems to emanate from this small chapel? This is the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Fatima also known as Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Fatimakapel. It stands as a testament to faith and gratitude within Brussels.
This chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. Its story is interwoven with the experiences of a community spared from the ravages of war.
The origins of Chapelle Notre-Dame de Fatima trace back to 1948. It was erected by grateful residents of the “Hoveke” area. They sought to express their profound thanks for being spared from the bombardments and deportations of the First World War.
An older chapel stood here previously. It was depicted on an 1873 map. Sadly that chapel suffered damage during World War I. It was eventually torn down.
Omer Vanderhaeghe an architect from Wevelgem designed the current chapel. In 1998, it was repainted on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary. This ensured that the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Fatima continued to shine as a beacon of hope.
As you approach the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Fatima notice its design. A tiled path lined with flowerbeds leads to the chapel. The structure is made of brick. It features a gabled roof covered in mechanical tiles. An iron cross adorns the ridge.
The facade is constructed of yellow decorative stones. A recessed round-arched entrance welcomes visitors. The double doors show a neo-Gothic style. Natural stone accents highlight the base cornerstones cross and the year “1948” at the top.
The sides of the chapel are narrowly recessed under pent roofs. Red brick side walls feature an oculus and a small round-arched window.
Inside the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Fatima you will see a floor covered with granito tiles. The walls and ceiling are plastered smoothly. An image of Our Lady is housed within a round-arched niche above the altar. The inscription reads “ONZE LIEVE VROUW VAN FATIMA BID VOOR ONS” meaning “OUR LADY OF FATIMA PRAY FOR US”.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Fatima stands as a symbol of resilience faith and community spirit.