Boskapel de Biesselt

Beautiful chapel

A special place worth visiting.

I have little to add to the extensive and beautiful review by Willem Verbeek. I think it's nice that even today such chapels as this Maria Chapel are being built, with a modern stained glass window in the back wall. And I think the statue of Mary is beautiful: a contemporary woman with a child, instead of a holy being that is far too far from you.

I always stand still when I cycle past it. Read the information sign when you first get there.

On the border of Gelderland and Limburg, near the Mookerheide and café and restaurant Het Zwaantje is this Maria Chapel. On this wonderful summer Friday, March 29, 2019, I get off the bike. A nice place in the middle of the forest, there is a good couch, it is quiet, there is an older couple, the man is sitting on the couch, the woman is lighting a candle in the chapel. I don't really like the chapel, it's not old and authentic either, but there is a whole history behind it that is explained in detail on an information board. The neighborhood has done its best to restore something in honor and I think that's fine. In addition, I find the environment very stimulating for some contemplative and / or meditative thoughts or perhaps even a conversation. The woman has meanwhile sat down next to her husband and I also take a seat. We are talking about the ins and outs of the world, about Brexit, inequality in the world, how difficult the students, the young and the elderly are having it and that everything is gradually going all the way and that we we cannot do anything about it because we have very little in our own hands and we have nothing to say about the essential things. We also go through everyone's life course extensively and all in all it is still fun. It is pleasant to be in this sunny spot in the forest with Mary next to us who watches over us all. With the world suffering and all the misery it is therefore sometimes not too bad. You just have to be lucky. The couple goes home, around the corner in Groesbeek, rolling down a bit with the bicycle. I eat another apple, take some pictures of this place and then head back to the world.