De Panne
History
Construction of the Church of Our Lady began in 1929. The church was built in the Neo-Romanesque style. The building has thick walls and a sturdy tower. The architects were Joseph Viérin (1872-1949) and his son Luc (1903-1979). The church was consecrated in 1937.
The apparitions in Fatima in 1917 were the inspiration for the realisation of the crypt in De Panne. The crypt was built in 1947, as a thank you to Our Lady because the church was spared from great wartime violence during the Battle of Dunkirk from 27 May to 4 June 1940 and the years thereafter until 1945.
The design of the crypt was created in 1947 by architect Charles Gryson from neighbouring Koksijde.
On 5 December 1947, the crypt was consecrated by Joseph de Saegher (1879-1949), Dean of Veurne (1932-1949).
Pilgrimage site
The pilgrimages to De Panne take place in the crypt, which is the large cellar space of the church. Throughout the year, many visitors come daily to be in the crypt in silence. They come to pray, light candles, reflect, and keep Mary in their thoughts.
It is very busy with pilgrims on the days of apparitions in Fatima in 1917. These days are 13 May, 13 June, 13 July, 19 August, 13 September and 13 October. 19 August is not celebrated here, but 13 August, as Mary also said at the first apparition in Fatima.
In the crypt, stained-glass windows can be seen, referencing the apparitions in Fátima, Portugal in 1917. The windows were designed by Jean Kellens and M. Gryson and executed by Etienne Pintelon from Bruges.
The entrance to the Crypt is on the side of the church and is open daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
De Panne is located on the Flemish coast. The crypt of Our Lady of Fatima is at Zeelaan 129, under the church in De Panne (8660).
You can find up-to-date information on www.parochiesdepanne.org.
Experience
The visit to De Panne is intended to go to the crypt. I walk around the church building and come to the entrance of the crypt, which is strongly reminiscent of the apparitions in Fatima. It's what you feel in Fatima, but much closer to home.
When I enter the crypt, I am amazed by the beauty. A beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima, stained-glass windows and frescoes. What an impressive choir stall!
Looking around here, seeing the images and stained-glass windows, sensing the atmosphere and letting my thoughts drift to the apparitions of Fátima, I feel as though I'm in the great pilgrimage site in Portugal. This is also the place to light a few more candles. I look around further and see beautiful depictions of the apparitions in Fátima. What an incredibly evocative place this is!
The ceiling of the crypt is also very special. Many references to Mary have been incorporated, which further enhances the crypt.
In the crypt, statuettes, candles, and other devotional items can be purchased, and I gratefully take advantage of this. This way, I can take mementos of this visit home with me and also make someone else happy with a keepsake from the crypt.
Environment
De Panne is located on the Flemish coast. The distance to Veurne, which is rich in history, is 8 km and to the larger port town of Ostend it is 42 km. The French Dunkirk is 23 km from De Panne. To visit the pilgrimage site of Dadizele the distance is 56 km.
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