Veldkapel toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw

Tucked away in the tranquil hamlet of Gel in Zondereigen, stands the Veldkapel toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw. This unassuming chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Flanders, holds a story as captivating as its surroundings. The Veldkapel toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw replaced an older chapel around 1939, nestled between two linden trees. Its Art Deco design, with colored bricks and a pointed pillar, evokes a sense of peace and contemplation. A niche within the Veldkapel toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw shelters a statue of Our Lady of Flanders. She stands triumphant, crushing a dragon beneath her feet, with the Flemish Lion, the coat of arms of Flanders, by her side. The inscription below reads: “Our Lady of Flanders, protect us.” This statue, however, is not the original. The Veldkapel toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw has a history of stolen statues, a testament to the devotion it inspires. The current statue was placed in late 2012, replacing yet another stolen predecessor. While not officially a protected monument, the Veldkapel toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw was added to the Inventory of Architectural Heritage in 2009 and designated as “established” in 2014. Its significance goes beyond its physical structure. It represents a community’s enduring faith and resilience, a beacon of hope amidst the quiet countryside.