Mary Grotto

Image-defining Maria Grotto, implanted in a street bend at a three-way intersection against a raised berm. The art cave is said to have been erected in 1954, possibly in connection with the Marian Year 1954, instituted by the Pope in memory of the papal bull proclaimed 100 years earlier regarding the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The construction bears witness cultural-historically to the strongly perpetuated Marian veneration in the Christian faith.Quite large elaborate cave of two levels high, strongly framed by green plantations. Kneeling benches are set up inside the cave below and a large paternoster hangs. The entrance is closed by an iron gate with the letters A M (Ave Maria). On top of the cave is a kneeling polychrome statue of Saint Bernadette with candle in hand. Above right in a niche of the cave construction is a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.
(Agency Real Heritage)

The Cave was built on the initiative of the Oomberg priest Robert Van Wilder in 1954 in honor of Our Lady Immaculate Conception. The plans were drawn up by the Hillegem rock architect Aloïs Van Wijnendaele.

The Virgin Mary depicted and venerated here is that of Lourdes. This well-known Marian pilgrimage site is located in the French Pyrenees and is visited by a large number of people every year, including many sick people hoping for healing. The devotional image of the Mother of God has spread widely, not only in France, and believers have built Lourdes chapels and grottos everywhere.
The commemoration of the Lourdes Madonna is also World Day of the Sick.