Churches are slowly emptying, except in Nibbixwoud: what is their secret?

The Sint-Cunerakerk is located at the foot of the Dorpsstraat. Beyond the burgundy doors, the church hall begins, shrouded in a white glow and with eye-catching stained-glass windows and a neo-Gothic organ.

It forces a respectful silence. Something that has not gone unnoticed in Nibbixwoud. The church services on Saturday and Sunday still attract ‘full’ halls. About 30 a 50 churchgoers come to it. While this may sound little, according to pastoor Álvaro Rodríguez Luque indeed a positive turn.

What’s their secret? “The church is fairly well attended. Compared to the other churches in our parish, the attendance is still quite high. We have a strong Catholic community in Nibbixwoud. There are many activities and celebrations. We also have good cooperation with the schools in the village, so that children are involved at an early age.” Former pastor Paul Vlaar was also popular among the young people.

Where the group of volunteers is getting smaller and grayer at most churches, that is not the case at Sint-Cunerakerk. “We have a loyal group, who all contribute to something, such as working in the garden or they do the maintenance of the parish or church.”

The Village Council also agrees. “The fire that almost destroyed the church in 2002 saved our lives,” says Ed Entius, chairman of the Village Council.

Nearly destroyed by fire

It is August 12, 2002, almost 11 years ago, when a fire breaks out in the Sint-Cunera Church. Around 4:30 p.m., presumably due to work on the roof. The church is almost in ruins: the roof is largely destroyed and largely collapses.

The havoc is enormous. There is talk of millions of dollars in damage. Koster Piet Ettes (70) can still vividly recall it. He is on holiday in Crete that one afternoon when he reads the bad news on his phone. “I immediately flew back. At first glance it seemed as if nothing was wrong when I arrived by car.” But once Piet enters the church, he is overwhelmed with emotions. The church floor is completely under water. “All the books that were on the sanctuary were all affected by the water. It was terrible.”

Paschal candle

He has special memories of the Easter candle. It was also in the priest’s choir. “But everything around it was burned, except for this candle. It just stood upright, as if nothing had happened. Unaffected by the heat or flames, nothing. It was a beautiful sight. We put it on display in the back of the church, as a reminder to this fire.”

He stands in front of the candle and continues his story: “The roof was completely swept away. You looked out like that. There was also a strong northwest wind, there was no way to start.” Yet the church tower and parsonage have been spared. “The fire brigade was quick to act. And fortunately, an aerial work platform from Heerhugowaard was able to save the tower.”

A longhorn beetle

Afterwards, there also appears to be a longhorn beetle in the roof. “They all died in the fire, so we were immediately rid of that,” he jokes. After the fire brigade has brought the fire under control, the question remains whether the Sint-Cunera church should be rebuilt. Fortunately, that discussion is short-lived. After a year of scaffolding, the wooden roof is being restored. Also thanks to the help of the many volunteers from the village, because a farmer’s tent temporarily functioned as a church. “The church looks even more beautiful than before the fire. It’s just a picture, the center of the village,” beams Piet.

Piet also reflects on the news from the diocese. The Sint-Cunerakerk is a thriving church, but for how long? It’s a question that bothers him. Because when the time comes, he thinks it would have a huge impact. The church brings back many memories.

“For many people, a church means a lot. It offers something to hold on to and is often used as a meeting place. Also for me. I was baptized there, married and took communion and confirmation there. Just like my parents, for generations. It would be a loss.”