Uden – Chapel of Our Lady of the Linden Tree

At Lieve Vrouweplein 2 in Uden, Brabant, stands the Chapel of Our Lady of the Linden Tree within the larger Chapel of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. This is the former Cruceferiens Chapel, which was built in 1904. At one time, the chapel was part of a monastery complex. The Cruceferiens is the only still-existing medieval order founded in the Low Countries. This Order of the Holy Cross was officially established in 1248. Its members are largely clergymen and they call themselves Crossbrothers.

History tells us that in Uden, a statue of Mary was found in a linden tree, and thus the name Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Linde (Our Lady of the Linden Tree) originated. The statue is first mentioned as early as 1358.

During the Counter-Reformation (1522-1563), a Catholic response to the Protestant Reformation, the Crosier Fathers focused on organising the veneration of Our Lady of the Linden Tree. In 1712, the Crosier Fathers built an octagonal chapel for the Marian statue. This was done on the site where the linden tree, in which the Marian statue was found, once stood.

Miracles have been attributed to the statue of Mary. In the 17th and 18th centuries, tens of thousands came on pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Linden Tree each year.

In 2009, the Crosier Fathers leave Uden, and the monastery and chapel become the property of Brabant Zorg. The chapel is a national monument.

Miracles have been attributed to the statue of Mary. In the 17th and 18th centuries, tens of thousands came on pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Linden Tree each year.

In 2009, the Crosier Fathers leave Uden, and the monastery and chapel become the property of Brabant Zorg. The chapel is a national monument.

Nowadays, a replica of the well-known statue stands in the chapel. Beneath the statue of Mary is the inscription “O Mary, show that you are our Mother”. The original statue is located in Museum Krona in Uden.