The creation of the Lourdes grotto in Wommersom is due to a personal event. Louis Lambert (*1936) is a Marian devotee and frequently visits the Sanctuary in French Lourdes. Due to a work accident, the man sustained a serious back injury and was unable to move for months. He promised Mary to build a Lourdes grotto for her if he could walk again and recovered. The man healed and the grotto was built in 1990. The blessing was performed by Father Godfried from Kortrijk (Peter Bakkers, 1918-2010).
Louis Lambert, together with his wife Leona Dewil (born 1935), was responsible for the creation of the grotto. They collected the materials themselves and made the necessary concrete in a cement mixer. Approximately 4000 kilograms of cement were used, nearly double that weight in pebbles, and even more sand was incorporated.
The statue of Mary is approximately 130 centimetres high and weighs 60 kilograms. The statues of Mary and Bernadette were painted by the initiator. Louis and Leona provide lighting for the grotto, with many lights in the shape of a rosary, around the effigy of Mary. This ensures Our Lady is bathed in radiant light.
In front of the grotto, a statue of Bernadette Soubirous, visionary of Lourdes, has been placed. There are also benches by the large Lourdes grotto. Inside the grotto, expressions of thanks to Mary can be seen, candles are lit, and flowers further brighten the scene. Approximately 3,000 people visit the grotto annually, and it is freely accessible.
The Lourdes grotto makes a very neat impression and testifies to the great passion of the Lambert-Dewil couple.
The largest Lourdes grotto in the Hageland is in Wommersom and for many it is also the most beautiful.
Wommersom is part of the municipality of Linter. The address is Kouterstraat next to number 4 and opposite number 3, 3350 Wommersom (Linter).
~~~
