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The Lourdes Grotto in Wiemesmeer originated from people's devotion to Our Lady. The history of the Lourdes Grotto begins in May 1907. Mathijs Thijssens (1866-1941) placed a statue of Mary on the spot where the Lourdes Grotto now stands. A little further away, he placed a crucifix. Mathijs Thijssens did this out of gratitude for his recovery from a serious, painful leg condition. The man was cured of a 'zevenoog' (seven-eye), a cluster of boils. Some time later, Mathijs Thijssens moved with his family to Berchem, near Antwerp. One day, one of his daughters asked: "Why not replace the statue of Mary with a small Lourdes Grotto in Wiemesmeer?" Father Mathijs Thijssens thought it was a good idea but wanted to build a large grotto, modelled on the Lourdes Grotto in Edegem. The Lourdes Grotto was built in Wiemesmeer, and construction began in the summer of 1924. Mathijs Thijssens was helped by local farmers, who supplied materials with horse and cart.
On the first Sunday of May 1925, the Lourdes Grotto is consecrated by Louis-Joseph Kerkhofs (1878-1962), then auxiliary bishop of Liège (1925-1927) and later bishop of Liège (1927-1961).
The domain on which the Lourdes Grotto stands has changed over the years. In 1993, a new prayer room was created and a candle hall was added. To increase the stability of the Lourdes Grotto, more concrete was applied. Interest in the Lourdes Grotto continued to grow and in 2001 a second candle hall was added, along with a small seating area for indoor prayer when the weather is unpleasant for praying outdoors. The benches were also renewed.
In early 2004, the park was enhanced with a water feature and fountain. Then, three chapels were built to depict the mysteries of the Rosary. Colourful stained-glass windows were also installed. In 2009, the Calvary Mount was completed.
On 1 May 2025, there will be a special event, as relics of Bernadette Soubirous are coming to the Lourdes Grotto. This will happen on the day the Lourdes Grotto celebrates its 100th anniversary. Patrick Hoogmartens (born 1952), bishop of Hasselt since 2004, will preside over the festive Eucharist. After this service, there will be a short pilgrimage and the relic of Bernadette will be venerated. Later in the day, there will be a rosary prayer and then a concluding prayer service.
The Lourdes Grotto, associated buildings, and Calvary park are in very good condition and the site is impeccably maintained by volunteers.
The Lourdes Grotto in Wiemesmeer is located at the end of Grotstraat, on the corner of Veugenstraat, opposite the Lindenhof café/restaurant.
Address: Veugenstraat 65, Wiemesmeer
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