The former St. Bernadette Church Spoordonk
History of St. Bernadette's Church
Because Spoordonk is quite far from the center of Oirschot and therefore from St. Peter's Basilica, the people of Spoordonk wanted their own parish as early as 1870. The parish was established in 1934 and was named after Bernadette Soubirous, the girl to whom Mary appeared in Lourdes.
The architect Alphonsus Rats designed the church, which met the parish's requirements and also fit into the surroundings. The building incorporated elements of Brabant Gothic with modern influences. Architect Rats was so proud of his creation that he had himself buried in the cemetery behind St. Bernadette's Church, although he never lived in Spoordonk.
The church and rectory were built dur…
History of St. Bernadette's Church
Because Spoordonk is quite far from the center of Oirschot and therefore from St. Peter's Basilica, the people of Spoordonk wanted their own parish as early as 1870. The parish was established in 1934 and was named after Bernadette Soubirous, the girl to whom Mary appeared in Lourdes.
The architect Alphonsus Rats designed the church, which met the parish's requirements and also fit into the surroundings. The building incorporated elements of Brabant Gothic with modern influences. Architect Rats was so proud of his creation that he had himself buried in the cemetery behind St. Bernadette's Church, although he never lived in Spoordonk.
The church and rectory were built during the Depression of the 1930s thanks to the help of the people of Spoordonk. Over 10,000 carts of sand were moved there; This saved enormously on costs. Construction began in August 1935, and the church was inaugurated in September 1936. The building had cost just over 60,000 guilders (approximately €27,000).
Together with the adjacent school, the church has been the heart of Spoordonk for many years.
On July 1, 2019, the church building was transferred to the foundation Community Center Het Hart van Spoordonk. The adapted building, together with the sports hall, provides space for organizing social, cultural, community, and sports activities in Spoordonk.