Tongerlo – Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto in Tongerlo is situated to the east of the Abbey of Our Lady, Tongerlo Abbey. The grotto was built in 1887 following a trip to Lourdes by a devout woman. She campaigned for the construction of a grotto and contacted the abbot of the abbey to this end.

The grotto in Tongerlo is very reminiscent of the famous Lourdes grotto in the south of France. The context of the Lourdes grotto's location is also similar, as a river, namely the water from the vest, also flows in Tongerlo. A stone from the Lourdes Grotto has been incorporated into the facade.

In 1935, the grotto was enlarged on the initiative of Pastor Lieven Hoste (1911-1978). The grotto was fitted with a model of the Basilica of Lourdes. The grotto then resembled that of Lourdes even more, and is seen here with a view of the abbey. A large iron gate was placed in front of the grotto, a gift from the inhabitants of Tongerlo.

In 1983 the grotto was severely damaged and the statue of Mary was recovered, but was unfortunately completely destroyed. The grotto was restored by volunteers and on 30 April 1983 the new statue of Mary was consecrated by (Hildeward) Aloïs De Schrijver (1927) O.Praem (Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, Norbertine order).