Ursulakapel

Slipping through time’s veil, we find ourselves at the Ursulakapel. It whispers tales of resilience and transformation. The Ursulakapel, once part of the Sint-Ursulaklooster, stands as a solitary sentinel on Voogdijstraat in Roermond. Established in 1852 by the Ursuline nuns after their expulsion by the French in 1797, the convent buzzed with the energy of education. The Ursulines, dedicated to teaching young girls, founded Het Zedelijk Ligchaam Sint Ursula. This organization oversaw the burgeoning schools, including a Lagere School, a MULO, and a boarding school. The educational offerings expanded in 1919 with a Catholic HBS-B for girls. This was only the third of its kind in the entire Netherlands. A MMS followed in 1937 and a Gymnasium in 1947. The school complex then became known as Sint-Ursulalyceum. The winds of change swept through in 1968 with the Mammoetwet educational reforms. In 1972, a lay person was appointed director for the first time, and the school opened its doors to both boys and girls. By 1975, the school had relocated to Horn. Around 1980, the original convent buildings met the wrecking ball. Only the chapel remained, a poignant reminder of the past. Designed by the architect Jos Cuypers, the Ursulakapel was completed in 1906. This neo-Gothic, three-aisled chapel is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A statue of the Sacred Heart graces a niche in the facade, alongside a striking stained-glass window. Other stained-glass windows adorn the sides, filtering light into the space. Above the entrance, a relief depicts Saint Ursula herself, engaged in the act of teaching. Inside, a magnificent Apocalypsraam by Gilles Franssen, created in 1962, hangs in the gallery. Interestingly, the name Ursulakapel didn’t come into common use until 1982, after the Ursuline nuns had departed. The chapel’s interior has seen transformations. Where once exposed brickwork and cross vaults greeted the eye, now the central nave is painted a stark white. The side aisles, however, retain their original brickwork, offering a glimpse into the past. Today, the Ursulakapel continues to serve the community, hosting an ecumenical youth group and various gatherings. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of education, faith, and adaptation. The Ursulakapel’s story echoes in its very stones, a quiet reminder of the generations who have sought knowledge and solace within its walls.