Lievensmuseum

The Lievensmuseum in Moorslede is a small but content-rich museum dedicated to the memory of Father Constant Lievens, one of the best-known residents this West Flemish town has ever had. Lievens was a Jesuit priest and missionary who worked in India, and the museum bearing his name brings together material documenting his life and missionary work.

Who was Father Lievens?

Constant Lievens was born in Moorslede and, after joining the Jesuit order, travelled to India as a missionary. His work among the local population earned him lasting recognition, and he remains one of the figures the town takes the most pride in — a statue of him even stands in the town centre.

What does the museum show?

The exhibition is not limited to Lievens alone. It also introduces visitors to several other clergymen and missionaries connected to a similar era and calling: Ferdinand Verbiest, another Jesuit who once served at the Chinese imperial court; Amaat Vyncke, a papal zouave and member of the White Fathers; Albrecht Rodenbach, a former schoolmate of Lievens; Father Desmet, a missionary who worked among Native Americans; as well as Father Damien and Mother Teresa.

These stories are told through photographs, documents, dioramas, and film and video fragments. This mixed-media approach makes the visit accessible even to people who have never heard of any of these figures before, since the displays build up the historical and religious context step by step rather than assuming prior knowledge.

The museum's own history

The museum was founded in 1995. For many years it was housed in the Bunderhoeve, a farmstead that originated from the former Ten Bunderen monastery — itself an interesting piece of local history for visitors to take in. The collection remained there until 2017.

After that, the exhibition moved into the left aisle of the Sint-Martinuskerk (St Martin's Church) in Moorslede. Today, following renovation, the museum sits at the heart of what is known as Lievensdorp — a part of town named after Father Lievens — and can be freely visited inside the Sint-Martinuskerk.

Who is this museum for?

The Lievensmuseum is best suited to visitors interested in the local history of West Flanders, the history of Catholic missionary work in the 19th and 20th centuries, or anyone passing through Moorslede who is looking for a modest but worthwhile cultural stop that ties local history to a much wider, global story. Because the museum is housed inside a church, it pairs naturally with a visit to the Sint-Martinuskerk itself.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Lievensmuseum located? The museum occupies the left aisle of the Sint-Martinuskerk in the centre of Moorslede, in the area known as Lievensdorp.

Who was Constant Lievens? He was a Jesuit priest and missionary born in Moorslede, known for his missionary work in India.

Is there an entrance fee? The museum is freely accessible within the church space, making it an easy addition to a visit to the church itself.

Has the museum always been in the same location? No — until 2017 it was housed in the Bunderhoeve, a farmstead originating from the former Ten Bunderen monastery, before moving to the Sint-Martinuskerk.

Does the museum only cover Father Lievens? No, the exhibition also covers other missionaries and clergymen, including Ferdinand Verbiest, Amaat Vyncke, Albrecht Rodenbach, Father Desmet, Father Damien, and Mother Teresa.