CHURCH OUR LADY OF POTTERIE

On the way with the Blessed Idesbald

In the church of the Potterie, whose origins date back to the late 13th century, alongside the veneration of Mary, embodied by the miraculous statue of Our Lady of the Potterie, the Blessed Idesbald is especially venerated.

Idesbald (1090 – 1167) was the third abbot of the Abbey of the Dunes in Koksijde between 1155 and 1167. He was a noble and pious individual. He led the abbey back to prosperity and stimulated the wool trade with England. This exceptional man was an example of Christian service and self-sacrifice in dark times of poverty and famine.
When Idesbald was exhumed for the first time in 1237, it was found that his body was still in an unblemished condition. This was equivalent to a miracle. In 1623, a new excavation took place due to the relocation of the abbey, and again it was found that his body was nearly intact. A genuine popular devotion arose, and even Archduchess Isabella visited the relics in 1625. In 1627, during the move to Bruges, the relics were taken along, and soon a great veneration for Idesbald began in Bruges as well. On April 6, 1831, the last dune monk, the Roover, brought the coffin to the church of Our Lady of the Potterie, which has been a well-known pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages. On July 10, 1894, Pope Leo XIII decided that Idesbald may bear the title of 'Blessed'.
To this day, he continues to provide support to people in difficult moments of their lives, and his veneration has protected individuals from slipping further into despair or illness.

Opening hours:
Tue - Sun: 9:30 - 12:30 & 13:30 - 17:00

Eucharistic celebrations:
Every weekday: 6:45
Sunday: 7:00 & 9:30

Stichting Open Kerken