The Mariakapel on the Moerdijkseweg in Zevenbergschen Hoek will be moved soon. Again, because Maria has had to break ground twice since it was built in 1936. The chapel is now in the way again. This time for work that needs to be carried out because of a new business park.
The Lady Chapel is officially called the Chapel of The Lady of Moerdijk. The monument, designed by Jos Bedaux, was constructed in 1936. It was located right along the A16. But not for long, because in 1967 the chapel had to move because the highway was being rerouted. A gas station was built in its place.
Bedaux designed a new chapel, which was located on the other side of the A16. But Maria was not given this place either. In 2002 the chapel had to move again. Now because of the widening of the A16 and the arrival of the High-Speed Line South. In 2004 she got a new place on the Moerdijkseweg.
Unfortunately, the ‘three times a charm’ principle does not apply here. Maria is now in the way again. From next year she will have to pack up again and move to a fourth location. The reason is the arrival of a new industrial estate. The Moerdijk Logistics Park will be located in the armpit of the Klaverpolder junction.
Pick up stuff
The monument will be closed to visitors from February 3. In mid-February the chapel will be moved to the Hoofdstraat in Zevenbergschen Hoek.
This place was found after a long search with the municipality, the Jos Bedaux Foundation, the Village Table Zevenbergschen Hoek and local residents. Maria’s new location is easily accessible from the A16 and there are picnic benches and parking spaces nearby.
The chapel can be visited again from April 1. An official dedication will follow in May. Let us now hope for Maria that she can remain here in peace for years to come.