“Lost in a thicket of time,” whispers the wind as it brushes past the ancient stones of Chapelle Notre-Dame du Buisson. This chapel is also known as Chapelle Notre-Dame de Reconciliation. Here stands the oldest religious structure in Lille. Imagine children guarding their flocks here in 1014. They were drawn to a light shining from a thicket. It was there they discovered a statue of the Virgin.
A first chapel was built on this spot. Pilgrims flocked to it. Miraculous events were reported. Ogive the wife of Count Baudouin IV of Flanders conceived a son. It was thanks to Notre-Dame de Reconciliation. Baudouin V also called Baudouin of Lille was born. He is considered the main founder of Lille.
The oldest part of this chapel dates back to the early 13th century. This includes the nave and choir. Countess Jeanne of Constantinople ordered its construction. The style is a transition between Roman and Gothic. Chapelle Notre-Dame du Buisson has witnessed Lille’s history for over 1000 years. It stands as a silent yet powerful witness.
In 1636 the chapel became property of the Jesuits. They revitalized the cult of Notre Dame de Reconciliation. They also revived the pilgrimage.
The French Revolution brought upheaval. The chapel was bought by a private owner in 1793. Fortunately he did not destroy it. The municipality repurchased it in 1808. It was enlarged and restored in 1831. Side aisles were widened. Two lateral chapels and a sacristy were added. The facade was rebuilt. The chapel was too small for the growing population. It was put up for sale again in 1845. This happened during the construction of Saint-Martin d’Esquermes church.
The Van der Cruisse de Waziers family bought it in 1853. Then they sold it to the Clarisses. The Clarisses built a convent nearby in 1864. The convent was destroyed in 1906. Count d’Hespel bought the chapel. He kept it for worship. The Diocesan Association of Lille finally bought it in 1933. It was listed as a historical monument in 1926. Today it is one of four places of worship in the Parish of Reconciliation.
Inside Chapelle Notre-Dame du Buisson the nave and choir built of stone. Two rows of five blue Tournai stone columns separate the nave. The side aisles feature two sets of seven windows. The choir is separated from the nave by a stone arch. 19th-century additions are made of brick. These include the facade side chapels and sacristy.
The Association des Amis de la Chapelle was created in 1984. Its goal is to restore the chapel. It maintains the stations or plaques marking the pilgrimage route. It also organizes cultural events.
Restoration efforts continue to this day. The roof and facade were renovated in 2014. The south side aisle was restored between 2017 and 2020. The entrance was refurbished in 2021. The association plans to restore the choir completely. The association Friends of the Chapel contribute to the cultural activities. These include concerts conferences and exhibitions. These events do not interfere with worship.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Buisson is not just a building. It is a living testament to faith resilience and community. It is a beacon of hope for generations to come.