The Lourdes grotto from 1911 is located on the outskirts of Essen, not far from the road to Roosendaal in the Netherlands. Unusually, the Lourdes grotto is housed within a chapel. It is a single-nave, yellow brick chapel with a pointed facade featuring corner pilasters supporting the upper part of the building and a gable roof. The pointed arched windows create an atmospheric image. Above the entrance, a panel is mounted bearing the inscription “AVE MARIA”.
A wide stone path leads from the road to the chapel, there is a bench on the right.
The Lourdes tableau has been built at the back of the chapel, has a blue background wall and this provides an extra colourful view. Statues of Mary and Bernadette are painted, as are the rocks. In the lower niche, there is a small altar table with a flower. A low fence screens visitors from the grotto. In front of this fence are kneelers. The Lourdes grotto can be illuminated.
In the chapel, the following text is on a memorial plaque:
“Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, owned by Jeanne Loos.
Built in 1911 by the Loos children for family happiness on the rectory farm.
Mother, are you not, to all people, who are lonely of heart and often in need,
who always seek her help and assistance,
”You're so great, Mother."
During the visit, there are no candles for sale, so please bring your own lights.
The chapel with the grotto gives a well-kept impression and is well worth visiting.
Address: Essendonk, next to number 46, 2910 Essen.
~~~
Nederlands 
English (UK) 
Deutsch 
Français