RAMSEL
History
A statue of Mary is attached to an oak tree and is known for several miraculous healings. In 1662, residents of Ramsel (municipality of Herselt) build a wooden “Our Lady's Chapel” to protect the statue of Mary from the elements. This is done under the supervision of the Premonstratensian abbey of Tongerlo. There are frequent discussions and negotiations to reach compromises between the abbot and the “chapel masters” from Ramsel. Ultimately, the decision is made to only hold services on Marian feast days. As early as 1664, the chapel was enlarged due to the large influx of pilgrims.
In the early 18th century, a stone chapel replaced the wooden chapel. The roof was made of straw, which gave rise to the name “Strokapel” (Straw Chapel). In 1788, the chancel was removed to provide more space for the numerous visitors. In the years 1788-1791, the chapel served as a temporary church while a new Church of Saint Hubertus was being built.
Since the 19th century, the chapel has had a roof of slate instead of thatch, but the name “Thatch Chapel” has remained. Well into this century, the chapel was a popular pilgrimage site.
In 1985, the chapel and interior were designated as a protected monument.
In 2005, the chapel closed due to it being unsafe because of dilapidation and a lot of deferred maintenance.
In 2017, much-needed restoration work began. By 2019, the chapel was fully restored, replastered, and painted white. On 16 October 2020, the restored chapel was inaugurated.
In 2022, the area around the chapel was beautified with a structure for lighting candles at Mary's altar, benches were installed, and a building with toilets was constructed. All these efforts have made it an inviting pilgrimage site.
Pilgrimage site
The Strokapel is a monument. It is a single-nave hall church made of brick with five bays (sections in the vault). Paintings of Our Lady can be seen in the chapel, namely Our Lady of Sorrows and the Assumption of Mary. One artwork is visible that is signed J.S.x1x.
In the chapel, there is a 15th-century tabernacle with the statue of Saint Norbertus, which was restored in 2017. Other sculptures include a Saint Joseph with Child made of polychromed wood from the second half of the 18th century, and a Our Lady with Child made of polychromed wood from the second half of the 17th century.
The porch altars are 19th-century oak and the oak pulpit dates from 1788. The stained-glass windows depict saints and were made in 1931 by Pamphile Tuerlinckx (1905-1995) from Mechelen.
Every half hour, the clock chimes in the slender tower.
The chapel hosts christenings and weddings on multiple occasions. Cultural activities also take place there.
Next to the chapel is a building for lighting candles and resting a bit.
The chapel is open daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Straw Chapel is located at Houtvensteenweg 70 in Ramsel/2230 Herselt in the Province of Antwerp.
Ramsel is located 10 km south of Westerlo and 7 km north of Aarschot.
Experience
When I stand before the restored chapel, I see the year 1662 above the entrance. My thoughts immediately turn to the chapel's history.
Upon entering, I am impressed by the magnificence of the space. The interior is plastered and painted, and the wooden panelling catches my eye.
The sculpture of Saint Anne teaching the Holy Scripture to Mary is particularly beautiful. It is made of polychromed wood and dates from the second half of the 17th century.
In the chapel, many ex-votos can be seen, and not just of silver.
In the candle chapel, candles are always burning, and a few more are added by my visit. To conclude my visit, I take a seat on a bench next to the candle chapel and have a view of the expertly restored chapel and the candle chapel. It feels good to be allowed to be here.
Environment
In the Ramsel area, there are many walks and cycle tours to be made. The Sanctuary of Scherpenheuvel is 16 km from Ramsel and the distance to Averbode Abbey is 19 km.
Posted: 13 June 2023
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