Uitstap Bolderberg
Op 26 mei jl. is Els Put met haar cursisten Engels op uitstap geweest naar Bolderberg. Hieronder kan je een verslag lezen van enkele studenten. Foto's kan je eveneens hier terugvinden.
A guided tour into the chapel and hermitage of Bolderberg
Julien Pluym, 2.3 English:
On Monday, 26th May we had a walk to the hermitage and chapel of Bolderberg. We had to gather on the parking lot of the Bovy estate. The agreed time was 6:15 p.m. and we were all there on time. The walk upstairs took us about twenty minutes so we had to wait there for the arrival of the guide who came soon. He welcomed us in English, because the purpose was to i
mprove our understanding and speaking of that language. Then he started to talk about the history of the chapel, that it was built by the first hermit Lambert Hoelen and why it was a copy of the Maria house in Loreto. He also told us the legend of that Maria house and the pilgrimages the hermits had to undertake before they were allowed to live somewhere as a pilgrim. Inside the chapel we had to keep quiet to hear the music and the song that was in the air. In the past there where two doors, one to come in and one to leave the chapel, but nowadays one door is closed and built in bricks because there is a stair in front of it. After the guide thought that he had told us all and we had no more questions, he left us alone for a while so we could sit there in silence to pray and to meditate.
In that time a beautiful poem was handed to us by Els, a poem translated from Dutch into the English language by another pupil. A poem about the hustle and bustle of life and to think about the peace and quiet of this chapel. When the guide came back we were allowed to visit the place where a hermit lived. It was a very small place added to the chapel. You could light a candle there and you had to leave through the chapel again. Outside we also visited the garden with a modern piece of art by an artist named Rutten. There was also the vegetable garden to provide the hermit with food. Above the door we saw a saint Jacob’s shell to indicate that pilgrims on their pilgrimage to Compostello are welcome there to rest. It was time then to say goodbye to the guide and to thank him for the explanation he had given us. Then we walked down heading towards the parking lot of Bovy where we said goodbye to each other. It was a pleasant and informative tour. Next time I will participate again when something else is organised.
Wim and Gerty, 1.2 English:
On May 26 we were invited on a trip to the hermitage of Bolderberg. We really enjoyed the informative guide we had, who explained us the history in English. It is amazing to us how those hermits lived and sacrificed their life to helping others. The walk to the top of the hill was very relaxing, and nature was beautiful. The small chapel was nicely renovated and it felt very peaceful. The place was intriguing, yet cosy. We were happy to take part in this unique adventure.