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, while work has started on St. Joseph’s Chapel, the entrance wall to the open-air Way of the Cross, and a statue of an angel. Officials aim to complete the restoration by 2028, the year Mariapark will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Mariapark in Lommel was founded in 1920 by the Capuchin Fathers and has long been a popular place for pilgrims and local visitors. The park covers 2 hectares and has a Lourdes grotto, chapels showing the Seven Sorrows of Mary, an open-air Way of the Cross, gateways with bell towers, and several statues of saints.
Over the years, the park fell into disrepair, with concrete statues cracking and the grotto damaged by rust and wear. It was declared a protected monument in 2005. The restoration is being done in 3 phases and is led by local authorities and the family of the original builder.
