“Ever wondered why this seemingly modest chapel holds such a special place in the hearts of the locals?” That’s the question I pose as we stand before the Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes. This house of prayer stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community spirit.
The Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes, or Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, began its story in 1913. It started as the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdeskerk. This building served the parish of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes.
Until 1924, the parish was a daughter parish of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Laken. After that year, it became independent.
As the local population grew before World War II, the church became too small. Plans emerged to design a new parish church.
On May 9, 1948, construction began on Charles Woestelaan for a new church. This new Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdeskerk opened on October 10, 1954. Since then, the original church on Leopold I-straat became a chapel. It served the Lourdes Grotto.
The neo-Gothic brick building features an entrance with a low bell tower. The ship has seven bays. The bell tower has a tent roof. Buttresses support the side walls of the Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes.
The Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes stands as a reminder of faith. It connects to the bigger Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdeskerk. Even though it is smaller, the Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes has a special meaning. It serves as a place for quiet worship and reflection.