The Lourdes Grotto in Helvoirt was built in 1923, after the Fathers of the Divine Word began the construction of a monastery in 1920. This would become the Sint-Lambertus Mission House. The fathers departed in 1955, and subsequently, Brothers of St. John of God, who cared for the sick, occupied the buildings. The “house” was named Misericordia (compassion, mercy). The brothers left the complex in 1989.
After several years of being vacant, the buildings came into the hands of a new owner in 2004 and the designation became the Emmaus Reflection Centre.
In front of the building stands a statue of the Sacred Heart and a well-maintained garden has been laid out.
Behind the Emmaus building, there is a wide avenue with parking facilities alongside it. High trees stand on both sides of this avenue. After following the avenue for about 300 metres, turn left and, after about 100 metres, there is a Lourdes grotto in the woods. Next to the grotto is a calvary with a large crucifix.
The image of Mary stands at about 1.5 metres high in a niche. The statue of visionary Bernadette Soubirous is placed to the left in front of the grotto. The grotto is largely overgrown, with many benches and an altar table in front of the Lourdes grotto. No candles are burning at the grotto. The grotto's location is beautiful, nestled among the trees.
Address: Udenhoutseweg 15, 5268CG Helvoirt.
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