Nestled in the charming town of Braine-le-Comte in the Hainaut province of Belgium, the Chapelle Saint-Roch de Braine-le-Comte, locally known as the Sint-Rochuskapel, is a small yet historically significant Catholic chapel. Built in 1854, this quaint chapel stands as a poignant reminder of the town's turbulent past, particularly the devastating plague that struck the area in the 16th century.
The origins of the Chapelle Saint-Roch de Braine-le-Comte are deeply intertwined with the history of a plague cemetery that was established in the vicinity during the 16th century. In 1572, when an epidemic of the plague ravaged Braine-le-Comte, the town authorities swiftly designated a burial ground at a safe distance from the town’s fortifications. This site, located at the junction of the roads to Mons and Écaussinnes, was consecrated by the Archbishop of Chalcédoine on April 22, 1572. It soon became the final resting place for numerous plague victims.
In the aftermath of the plague, the cemetery saw further developments. In 1591, a church dedicated to Saint Roch, the patron saint invoked against plagues and other contagious diseases, was constructed. By 1670, a grand stone calvary was added, enhancing the sacred ambiance of the site. However, the original church fell into disrepair over the centuries and was eventually abandoned and demolished in 1865, leaving behind only the calvary, which was later moved to the current cemetery of Braine-le-Comte.
The Chapelle Saint-Roch de Braine-le-Comte, as it stands today, was built in 1854, a few meters away from the old plague cemetery. This neo-Gothic structure features a large arched opening crowned with a niche, which is currently empty. A striking iron cross adorns the front gable, adding to the chapel’s serene and reverent appearance.
One of the most notable features of the chapel is the monumental calvary it houses. This calvary, made of plaster, depicts a crucified Christ flanked by statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint John. This ensemble serves as a replacement for the original calvary, which now resides above the pulpit in the parish church of Saint-Géry in Braine-le-Comte.
Adjacent to the chapel is a remarkable funerary monument from the 17th century, the only surviving relic from the original Saint Roch church. This monument invites visitors to pray for two young ladies, Anne Marie and Prudente Maxellende, who succumbed to a contagious disease in August 1629. The relief on the monument depicts these two figures in prayer on either side of a crucified Christ, framed by two ionic pilasters adorned with eight coats of arms, supporting a circular pediment with a laurel-crowned shield.
Today, the site of the former cemetery has evolved into a residential area. However, the legacy of Saint Roch endures in the form of a small pathway known as the Saint-Roch path, at the end of which stands a wall niche dedicated to the saint, dating back to 1609. The inscription on the niche, ST ROCH PRIEZ POUR NOUS (Saint Roch, pray for us), serves as a timeless plea for protection and intercession.
Since 1928, the Chapelle Saint-Roch de Braine-le-Comte has been part of the Saint-Gabriel Technical Institute, integrating seamlessly into the educational landscape of the town. Despite its modest size, the chapel continues to hold significant cultural and historical value for the local community, offering a tangible link to the past and a place for reflection and prayer.
Visitors to Braine-le-Comte will find the Chapelle Saint-Roch to be a quiet and contemplative spot, perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and spirituality. The chapel’s serene environment, combined with its historical artifacts and monuments, provides a unique glimpse into the town’s past and the enduring legacy of its efforts to combat the plague.
As you explore the chapel and its surroundings, take a moment to reflect on the resilience of the people who once lived here and their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. The Chapelle Saint-Roch de Braine-le-Comte stands as a testament to their enduring spirit and the timeless power of hope and prayer.
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