Lommel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The 1st phase of Mariapark’s restoration in Lommel is complete. Freddy Jansens led the work, restoring the Lourdes grotto, chapels, and statues. Phase 2 is underway, finishing by 2028.
As VRT News reported, the 1st phase of Mariapark’s restoration in Lommel, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, has been completed, and the church next to the park was full on Aug 15, 2025, for the blessing of the renovated section.
“I’ve renovated countless Lourdes grottoes and pilgrimage sites in my life, but this one in Lommel remains one of the most beautiful,
says Freddy.
The Rosary Basilica atop a Lourdes grotto is practically unique. But I have to admit, the condition of the Mariapark was really bad.”
What has been restored in Mariapark Lommel’s 1st phase by Freddy Jansens?
The restoration work is divided into 3 phases, and the first phase is now finished under the care of Freddy Jansens, the 82-year-old grandson of Mariapark’s original builder. Lucien Verboven, chairman of the local church council and grotto committee, said he is very pleased with the results. He noted that the Sacred Heart statue by the road, the Lourdes grotto, the chapels of the Seven Sorrows, and the statue of Saint Francis now appear as good as new.
Jansens said that the original pieces were constructed using artificial concrete, which was cutting-edge technology at the time, but the steel within the concrete had oxidised over the years and cracked and damaged. He said that these problems were solved in the current restoration methods without affecting the historical look.
Many residents say the renovations have brought new life to the historic park, which has served as a spiritual and cultural landmark for the community for a century. Erik Schalley said,
“It’s beautifully done. It’s good that they’ve done something about it, because it would be a shame if a place like this were lost. I often cycle past here, and I think it’s a truly peaceful place.”
Residents like Schalley see the park as more than a religious site.
Huup Peters welcomed the restoration of the Lourdes grotto but regretted that the trees behind the cave had been removed.
“The roots of the trees damaged the cave. I hope something else will be planted in the fall,”
Peters said.
“It was unbearable,”
says Wilma Weijers, looking down at the Lourdes grotto from a bench.
“It was all broken and weathered, but now it’s beautiful again. I love the basilica on top of the grotto.”
The second phase of Mariapark’s restoration is now underway, with several important projects in progress. The nativity scene is nearly finished,
Comments
One response to “First Phase of Lommel Mariapark Completely Restored by Freddy Jansens”
-
Looks like Freddy Jansens really outdid himself this time—because who wouldn’t want their Lourdes grotto to look “as good as new” after a century of wear and tear? 😂 Can’t wait to see the “upgrades” in phase 2; maybe they’ll throw in a café for good measure—because nothing says spiritual enlightenment like a cappuccino beside a holy shrine! ☕️✨
-
Looks like Freddy’s finally given the old Mariapark a facelift – I suppose even saints need a bit of lip gloss now and then. 🙄 Hope the trees don’t mind their new “view” – you know how finicky they can be! 🌳💔
Last News
First Phase of Lommel Mariapark Completely Restored by Freddy Jansens
Lommel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The 1st phase of Mariapark’s restoration in Lommel is complete. Freddy Jansens led the work, restoring the Lourdes grotto, chapels, and statues. Phase 2 is underway, finishing by 2028.
As VRT News reported, the 1st phase of Mariapark’s restoration in Lommel, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, has been completed, and the church next to the park was full on
ECB President Christine Lagarde Welcomes Design of 1 Euro Bulgarian Coin
“Exciting news for Bulgaria and the eurozone! Here’s a first look at the design of the Bulgarian one euro coin,” Lagarde noted. She highlighted that the coin’s design reflects continuity with Bulgaria’s exist
Zelenskyy tells Trump, "Ukraine Counts on America" before High-Stakes Summit
The high-stakes summit marks the first in-person meeting between an American president and Putin since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine bega
Cinnabon’s Position: Business Operations in Israel vs. Political Stance
The American bakery chain Cinnabon, famous for its cinnamon rolls, began operation in 2011 in Israel, opening in Tel-Aviv with its first establishment in partnership with Ronen Sorinov’s ROK Investments. With intentions to open exactly 10 stores in Israel and promising strict kosher certification to local consumers, this move became part of the company’s overall global expansion strategy.
With I
“EU4Schools” Initiative: Rebuilding the Kindergarten and Nursery in Rubik, Northern Albania
In the Rubik Administrative Unit of this municipality, the “EU4Schools” project has enabled the renovation of the kindergarten and nursery “Bleta Punëtore,” introducing hope and advanced standards through modern educational infrastruct
Peter Mandelson Advocates for Britain to Host the Super Bowl
Last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for the Super Bowl to be hosted in the city to boost its reputation as the “sporting capital of the world.”
“The Super Bowl is really important for us,” Khan remarked. “We
EU launches public consultation on air travel
The EU is taking steps to update air service rules.
The European Commission is inviting citizens, travellers, and stakeholders to express their views via a public consultation on the revision of the Air Services Regulation.
This is the framework governing access to the EU internal market for aviation and operations within it.
The Regulation determines, for example, when and where EU airlines can
EU apple harvest anticipated to be lowest in eight years; significant increase expected in the Czech Republic
Leader: Mohammed bin Salman
Im Machthaber-Feature:
04.08.2025 – Wladimir Putin05
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Denounces Iranian Influence on Hezbollah Matter
Beirut (Eurotoday) – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told Iran’s national security chief, visiting Beirut, that he did not accept any intervention in the domestic affairs of the country, and he described Tehran’s comments on demilitarizing Hezbollah as “unconstructive”.
What was the purpose of Ali Larijani’s visit?How is Lebanon moving toward disarming Hezbollah?
The Iranian highest security ch
Leave a Reply