Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

The Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Etterbeek is a Roman Catholic parish church standing on Rue de Tervaete, in a commune bordering central Brussels. Built in Neo-Romanesque style to the design of architect Edmond Serneels (1875–1934), the building owes its existence to a grassroots initiative of local residents.

How did the parish come to be?

On 10 February 1925, residents of the neighbourhood signed a petition calling for a new parish to be established in their area. Construction was decided that same year, and the works were carried out in two phases under Serneels's direction. The parish itself was formally created in 1926 — the same year a scout unit was founded alongside the church, underscoring how closely the building was tied to community life from the outset.

What was the construction process like?

Building work ran from 1925 to 1928 (some sources place the main construction phase specifically in 1926–1928). During the second phase, a shortage of funds forced planners to shorten the building compared with the original design, reducing its intended length. Despite this compromise, the finished church offers a spacious interior seating 800 people.

When was the church completed and consecrated?

The church was inaugurated in 1928 and formally consecrated the following year, in 1929. This gap between opening and consecration was common for large parish projects of the era: the building began serving worshippers before all liturgical formalities were completed.

What does the interior look like?

The interior decoration was carried out mainly by artists associated with the "La Croix Latine" group, gathered around the Benedictine monk Dom Martin and the painter Anto Carte. Their work includes the church's stained-glass windows, still regarded as one of the building's most distinctive features today. The parish belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels.

Does the church host cultural events?

Yes — beyond its liturgical role, the space is also used for musical performances. It has hosted, among others, a performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B minor by the Chorale royale protestante de Bruxelles, showing that the church serves the Etterbeek community as a cultural venue as well as a place of worship.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? On Rue de Tervaete in the municipality of Etterbeek, part of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Who designed the building? Architect Edmond Serneels, working in the Neo-Romanesque style.

How many people can the interior hold? The church seats around 800 people.

Can visitors attend non-religious events here too? Yes, the church hosts classical and choral concerts open to residents and visitors alike.