Saint Anthony's Church with Lourdes Grotto

Kortrijk experienced significant population growth in the nineteenth century. Therefore, there was a need for new parish churches. The Passionist fathers settled around the Veemarkt and established a monastery, a school, and the Saint Anthony's Church (1873). The church became a popular place for confession. This protected monument is built in neo-Romanesque style.

Brother Isidoor was a figure that captured the imagination. He had fragile health when he arrived in the area around the Veemarkt in 1912. Therefore, in 1913 (after a year as a cook), he received the less intensive task of doorkeeper. He tried to help everyone who came to him during the First World War, and earned the nickname ‘Brother Good’. Brother Isidoor died in 1916, but even after his death, he continued to inspire people. In 1952, the streets were filled with people when the body of Brother Isidoor was transferred to the new tomb in Saint Anthony's Church. In 1984, he was even beatified.

Step inside and you immediately notice the colorful murals. This is the heart of popular devotion in Kortrijk. The tomb of Blessed Brother Isidoor is located in a side chapel.

Around the corner is the Lourdes grotto. The replica grotto in the Veldstraat was consecrated on February 11, 1908, by Monsignor Waffelaert, in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the first apparition of Mary in Lourdes.

A visit to Saint Anthony's Church is often concluded with a moment of reflection at the Lourdes grotto, an oasis of peace in the bustling city.

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