Blankenberge - Our Lady of Mount Carmel in St. Anthony's Church

The veneration of Our Lady in Blankenberge dates back to the 10th century. In 1334, there is mention of a church that was destroyed by a storm. The current church, named St. Anthony's, on Scarphoutstraat, replaced the sanctuary destroyed by natural forces. Construction of the church began in 1335, and it was consecrated in 1358. In the second half of the 16th century, Protestants and Gueux (Beggars) destroyed the church. Restoration began in 1611, and the Our Lady's altar was made in 1618. The reconstruction took many years. The church then took on its current, smaller form and was built in the Gothic style. Later embellishments feature Baroque and Rococo characteristics. Due to an increase in the number of believers, the church became too small. A larger church was built, which is the St. Rochus Church. Subsequently, the doors of St. Anthony's Church were closed for Catholic services, and the building had other occupants. In 1926, the decision was made to restore St. Anthony's Church, and Catholic services then returned. This church then became the parish church. From 1937 onwards, St. Anthony's Church has been a protected monument.

In the left aisle, you'll find the wooden Our Lady's Portico altar. A medallion featuring an image of Mary with Child adorns the altar. The painting “The Adoration of the Magi” serves as the backdrop for the altar. To the left of the Mary altar, tucked in a corner, is the wooden, robed statue of Our Lady of the Scapular. This statue likely dates from 1633 or earlier, the year the Confraternity of the Scapular was founded. In 1999, the effigy was set on fire by vandals, resulting in its destruction. The remnants of the heads of Mary and the infant Jesus lie to the right and left below the statue. Subsequently, a replica was made by the company Slabbinck from Bruges. In 2001, the statue was placed in a glass case. Hanging from Mary's arm, one below the other, are two scapulars. The tower houses large bells, including the 700 kg Our Lady's Bell.

In the entrance of St. Rochus Church, located at Albertlaan 1, two ceramic tiles are affixed to the walls, including one that refers to the pilgrimage to Meetkerke. The text reads: “to the Fishermen's Lady, Our Lady of Meetkerke, 1978”. Inside the church, there are also statues and paintings of Mary, including the 18th-century painting of the Immaculate Conception. Angels carry symbols of Mary, such as a lily, olive branch, rose, and palm branch. Symbols of Mary can also be seen in the rose window. Around the window, the Latin text of the Hail Mary is displayed. In the church, there is also a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, with many candles burning, and Mary is depicted in the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows.