According to the wall anchors, this Gothic-Baroque chapel was built or restored in 1617, but it may be even older. In 1754 it was restored again after a fire. The chapel has a polygonal choir and an authentic interior. There is an altar with twisted columns and three colorful statues in the side niches of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Barbara. There is also a remarkable offering block into which one can deposit donations without entering the chapel through a wooden hatch. Traditionally the chapel was a place of pilgrimage and mass is still said there every six months. There are two old lime trees near the chapel. The chapel, together with the Claes farm behind it, has been classified as a protected monument since 1996.

Translated by Google •

February 8, 2025

Situated along the road from Helchteren to Heusden-Zolder, near the former, now disappeared, probably dating from the 17th century watermill on the Mangelbeek. The fact that Saint Catherine of Alexandria was invoked as patron saint of wheelwrights and millers, among other things, may have been the reason for the construction of the chapel. On 18 October 1595, Willem Theus appeared before the court to register the receipt of the interest of one guilder on behalf of the chapels of Leyelo, which indicates that a chapel already existed at that time.

The current chapel was built in 1617, confer jaarankers. According to the chapel accounts, two chapel masters were responsible for this house of worship and for the maintenance of the bridge. The latter probably referred to the bridge over the Mangelbeek, which runs through Lillo and on which the grain mill stood. The bridge over the moat of the Lillose fort, which was built in the immediate vicinity at the end of the 16th century, could also have been meant. On 25 November 1698, Saint Catherine's Day, first mass for the Saint Catherine's Shooters, the Lillose Shooting Guild; preliminary repairs. Over time, the Claes family is repeatedly mentioned in the bank accounts and in the maintenance of the chapel. On 18 April 1754, a major fire in and around the chapel, which was rebuilt towards the end of the year. During the French annexation, the house of worship was closed; mass was celebrated there daily until 9 January 1952. Today, mass celebrations are limited to one on the feast day of the patron saint. The chapel is still managed by the Claes family.

Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Saint Catherine's Chapel, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/80547

Translated by Google •

Nathalie V. 🇧🇪

February 8, 2025

A Gothic-Baroque chapel, built or restored in 1617. After a fire, it was restored again in 1754. In 1996, it was classified as a protected monument. For centuries, it was a local place of pilgrimage for Saint Catherine.

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 100 m

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Thursday 25 December

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-4°C

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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Location: Houthalen-Helchteren, Maaseik, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

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