Tongeren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A homeless person temporarily stayed in a Tongeren cemetery chapel on Driekruisenstraat. Discovered by Benoit Morrenne, authorities plan more checks. Mayor Jo Feytons is absent; First Alderman Eddy Manet confirmed items found.
As VRT News reported, a homeless person is believed to have stayed in a burial chapel at the Tongeren cemetery on Driekruisenstraat, in the province of Limburg, Belgium. Benoit Morrenne discovered the situation while visiting the cemetery to clean his family’s grave before All Saints’ Day.
He noticed that the chapel door, which is usually locked, was open. Inside, there were signs that someone had been living there temporarily.
“The door was open, even though it’s normally locked, and there were cigarette butts, empty bottles, and a piece of cardboard,”
Benoit Morrenne says.
A message was on cardboard,
“I live on the street, please leave these things there; don’t throw them away.” I was shocked that someone would end up in a chapel for shelter. I question why that person isn’t getting help, and it affects me,”
says Morenne.
What happened when a homeless person stayed in Tongeren cemetery chapel?
Morrenne chose not to report the incident to the police. Authorities were not contacted, and no one was harmed.
“I contacted the city police, who referred me to the police. But I don’t plan on filing a complaint. Only a small crucifix that had some value was missing. Incidentally, we didn’t throw away the homeless man’s belongings,”
Morrenne says
The grave has been completely cleaned, and the chapel door has been securely resealed. Benoit Morrenne, who discovered that someone had stayed in the chapel, said the door is not difficult to open in principle, but the situation can be managed. He added that the main concern is for the homeless person who had used the space.
“We mainly hope the homeless person can be helped; I don’t think chasing them away is necessary,”
Morrenne said.
Morrenne says,
“We will, of course, still bring flowers in memory of our parents and grandparents. On All Saints’ Day, we always visit the approximately 15 family members who rest in the grave.”
Mayor Jo Feytons (Tongeren-Borgloon Nu) is temporarily absent, and no official comment has been given. First Alderman Eddy Manet (Vooruit) confirmed that items were found inside the chapel. He also said the city will carry out more frequent checks at the cemetery to monitor the situation and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Similar incidents have happened before in Belgium and other countries. In 2015, a homeless man in Vatican City was found dead near St. Peter’s Basilica and was later buried in the Teutonic Cemetery. In 2021, a homeless man known as “Old Man Belfield” lived on the campus of University College Dublin for over 30 years. After his death, a fund was created in his memory to help students with accommodation.
