Mariarade originated from a former monastic colony, not far from the town centre of Hoensbroek in the south of the province of Limburg. The neighbourhood grew due to the influx of workers for the coal mines, particularly the Staatsmijn Emma.
The Lourdes grotto is situated in a largely walled enclosure and is maintained by volunteers. The grotto is constructed of limestone and features a fine segmental arch. In the upper right-hand part of the grotto, there is a niche containing the Lourdes statue. A bluestone altar has been placed inside the grotto on a tiled floor. Votive tiles are affixed to the rear and side walls of the grotto, expressing gratitude to Mary for a promise or answered prayer. To the right of the grotto, a circular pulpit has been created. A candle holder is also present, akin to the pilgrimage site of Lourdes in the south of France. Benches are located in front of the grotto to offer visitors a place to sit in prayer to Mary.
The hamlet attracts many visitors due to the Lourdes grotto, leading to great veneration of Mary. As a result, the name of the monastery colony changes to Mariarade, a district of Hoensbroek.
The Lourdes Grotto was built in 1929 by believers from worked blocks of natural stone. The initiative to create the grotto came from Franciscan fathers Fortunatus and Clemens. The designer of the grotto is mining engineer L. Schlösser. This is stated on a memorial plaque on the right side of the grotto. The Lourdes Grotto was consecrated on 7 July 1929, 75 years after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
Seven rectangular reliefs have been affixed to the wall of the beautifully landscaped flowerbed. These works were created by Heerlen-based artist Eugène Quanjel (1897-1998). They are large, ceramic tiles depicting mysteries from the life of Mary.
In 2010 the grotto was renovated. Pastor Nevelstein re-consecrated the Lourdes grotto in that year. In 2018 the statue of Mary was restored by the Dohmen couple.
The Lourdes grotto is located at Hommertweg 167, next to the Mariarade cemetery, behind the church and the presbytery. The Lourdes grotto of Mariarade is open daily.
