Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bijstandkerk, church in Aalst, Belgium
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bijstandkerk is a Gothic Revival church building in Aalst made of yellow and red brick with decorative stone details. Inside, a long central nave with two side aisles features pointed arch windows, wooden altars carved by Remi Rooms, and stained glass windows created by the studios Ysabie and Jozef Casier.
Architect Jules Goethals designed the church, with the foundation stone laid by Bishop Stillemans in September 1902. The building was completed and blessed in 1903 to serve the rapidly growing population of the Mijlbeek neighborhood.
The church is dedicated to Mary of Help, a name reflecting support and assistance to people. It serves the local parish community as a gathering place for worship and personal reflection.
The church is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM for visitors to pray and explore. Sunday Catholic services run at 11 AM, while the Syrian Orthodox community uses the space in the afternoon for their own services.
During World War I, the church bells were removed by German forces to use the metal for war production. New bells were cast and hung in 1960, restoring the church's voice after decades of silence.
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