A major flood in 1985 prompted the building of the Lourdes Grotto. When the water receded, a hole approximately 5 metres wide appeared behind Father Karel's chapel. Father Joachim van der Heijden (1929-2007) saw this as a sign from heaven and came up with the plan to create a Lourdes Grotto.
The grotto was built in 1988, the year Karel Houben (Father Karel) was beatified. Father Joachim van der Heijden provided the materials for the construction of the Lourdes grotto. Among other things, he arranged for concrete and iron. Gerard Smoorenburg was the designer and maker of the Lourdes grotto. A memorial to him stands between the niche with Mary and the large opening for the altar table and candle stands.
The Lourdes grotto is situated in a garden, behind Father Karel's chapel, and is overgrown with plants, shrubs, and trees. In the large niche, there is an altar table and candle stands. Several candles are burning in the grotto, but no lights are for sale here. The niche contains a typical statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, and a depiction of Bernadette praying and kneeling is also present. In front of the grotto are some prayer benches.
The chapel and garden of the pilgrimage site of Father Karel are open daily. The birth house of Father Karel, museum and shop are open in the afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday. More information can be found at www.paterkarelkapel.nl.
Address: Pater Karelweg 1, 6151LB Munstergeleen.
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