Hertogin van Drenthe, Catholic chapel in Emmer-Compascuum, Netherlands
Hertogin van Drenthe is a Catholic chapel located on the grounds of Saint Willehadus parish church in Emmer-Compascuum. Its walls incorporate salvaged medieval bricks from the former Kruisheren monastery in Ter Apel, creating a structure that blends materials from different periods.
The chapel was built in the early 1900s to fulfill a vow made by local residents when 24 soldiers from Emmer-Compascuum were sent to the Dutch East Indies. This promise reflects how faith shaped the community's response to a difficult time.
The chapel holds a statue of Mary that reflects her image in Drenthe's provincial coat of arms. This representation holds deep meaning for local pilgrims who visit to pay their respects.
The chapel draws pilgrims especially around the last Sunday in May each year, when a large gathering takes place. Outside this annual event, visitors should check local conditions before planning their visit, as access may vary depending on the time of year.
The bricks used to build the chapel were salvaged from the Kruisheren monastery in Ter Apel as it was deteriorating in the early 1900s. This choice to reuse materials connects the building to another religious site and its story in the region.
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