Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk

Gazing upon Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk, imagine its humble beginnings. In 1925, a burgeoning population in the Kaudenaardewijk spurred the need for a new parish. Pastor Jan Peeters, then underpastor in Itterbeek, spearheaded this initiative. A temporary church arose, now serving as the parish hall. This initial structure replaced the Sint-Bernarduskapel, formerly situated on Bracopslaan in Anderlecht. Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk itself, however, wouldn’t grace the landscape until 1938. Rising on a seven-meter slope in the then-rural surroundings, this modernist hall church, designed by architect Léonard Homez from Ixelles, blended neogothic elements. Its dedication, to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Child Jesus, reflects its spiritual focus. The church’s location, near the Regina Caeli lyceum and elementary school, further integrates it into the community. Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk’s design is a testament to Homez’s vision of a pure and serene atmosphere. The north-south oriented layout features a nave with five bays and a flat-ended choir. A baptistery sits west of the entrance, while a funeral chapel lies to the east. The integrated square tower, nestled northeast, was strategically placed for stability. Flanking the choir are flat-roofed annexes, housing the sacristy to the east and a storage area and weekday chapel to the west. Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk’s construction showcases reinforced concrete with brown Boom brick infill, all under a grand tiled saddle roof. Decorative brickwork, including wall braiding in the gables, adds visual interest. Similisteen accents the copings, keystones of the wall openings, and the pointed arch entrance. A protruding entrance portal, sheltered by a saddle roof, welcomes visitors. To the right, a stone proclaims “L. Homez arch. 1938.” A statue of Saint Thérèse, sculpted by Adhemar Goeters from Lokeren, graces the south facade. Inside Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk, a flame-tiled floor and white plastered pointed arch vaults create a sense of spaciousness. Narrowed pseudo-aisles with low pointed arches divide the bays, serving as passageways for smooth liturgical movement. Art Deco furnishings from the 1930s, along with torch-shaped lighting, adorn the interior. Confessionals and niches for the Stations of the Cross are seamlessly integrated into the walls. Bronzework by “Art et Métal” from Brussels adds a touch of elegance. Stained-glass windows from the interwar period, crafted by J.B. Jacobs, Frans Maes, and F. Crickx, depict the life of Saint Thérèse. Later additions by M. Nevens in the 1990s portray the Sint-Antoniuskapel and Sint-Alenakapel.