In the Limburg village of Dorne, a sub-municipality of Maaseik, stands a large Lourdes Grotto. The grotto came about due to the special experiences in Lourdes of members of the Bijnens family, where the mother and father had visited the French pilgrimage site several times. This family donated a piece of land to create a replica of the French Lourdes Grotto. The construction of the grotto took three years, specifically from 1951 to 1954. The work was carried out by members of the Bijnens family, acquaintances, and miners. Cobblestones were used in the construction, some of which weighed around 3500 kilograms. A stone has been placed in the grotto bearing the year 1954.
The effigy of Mary stands in a niche of the Lourdes grotto at a height of over 2 metres; the statue of visionary Bernadette Soubirous stands a few metres in front of the grotto, where benches have also been placed. A covered area offers the opportunity to stay at the Lourdes grotto in less favourable weather conditions.
A stone from the Lourdes grotto in France, with a certificate of authenticity, is affixed to the cave wall, noting it as the “Grotte des brancardiers mineurs” (“grotto of the stretcher-bearing miners”).
The consecration of the Lourdes Grotto takes place on 8 May 1954 by Pieter Jan Broekx (1881-1968), teacher (1905-1918), priest (1906-1968), senator (1921-1954) and domestic prelate to the Pope, therefore bearing the title of Monsignor (1938-1968).
A Mary garden has been created next to the Lourdes grotto, featuring stations and a large statue of Mary.
In 2022, the cave suffered damage, candles were stolen, and a crucifix was removed.
On 15 August, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, there will be a morning Eucharist service with a car blessing.
Near the Lourdes grotto there are parking spaces and a toilet is located behind the grotto. The well-maintained Lourdes grotto is accessible daily and is used by many visitors.
Address: Nielerstraat, 3680 Dorne/Maaseik. Enter a field path between house numbers 69 and 71 to reach the Lourdes Grotto behind the apartments.
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