Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Rozenkranskerk

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Rozenkranskerk is a church in the Termien district of Genk, in the Belgian province of Limburg, dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. It stands at Rozenkranslaan 47, in an area that was once a separate hamlet before being absorbed into the growing town of Genk.

How did the church come to be built in Termien?

The story of the church is closely tied to the arrival of the Dominican order in Genk. The friars settled in the area in 1934, initially occupying a large house on Calvariestraat. Construction of the church and an adjoining cloister, named Sint-Albertusklooster, began in 1939. The design was the work of architect M. De Paepe.

Why did construction take so long?

The building work coincided with one of the most difficult periods of the twentieth century. The outbreak of the Second World War, and the resulting shortages of building materials, slowed progress considerably. Despite these obstacles, the project was carried through to completion, and the church was consecrated in 1943, while the war was still ongoing.

What is the layout of the church?

The building follows a deliberate architectural plan. A square tower rises on the western side, forming the most recognisable feature of the structure. Behind it extends a three-aisled basilical nave divided into six bays, leading to a choir of three bays with a flat termination. This combination of traditional basilical form and restrained, simplified detailing reflects the wartime constraints under which the church was built.

What can visitors see inside?

The interior holds a number of notable works of religious art. Wooden sculptures by Raf Mailleux contribute to the liturgical furnishings of the church, while paintings by Willy Minders add further artistic depth: among them is a depiction of the Stations of the Cross, along with images of Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas — two figures closely tied to the Dominican tradition that gave rise to this place of worship.

Why does the church matter to Termien?

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Rozenkranskerk remains an important landmark for the residents of Termien, a former hamlet gradually absorbed by the expanding town of Genk. Its history mirrors that of many similar churches built across Europe in the first half of the twentieth century: begun in peacetime, finished under the shadow of war, yet still enriched with artworks created by local artists.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church built? Construction began in 1939 and the church was consecrated in 1943.

Who designed the building? The architect responsible for the design was M. De Paepe.

Which religious order is connected to this church? The church was built in connection with the arrival of the Dominican order in Genk, whose friars settled there in 1934 and founded the Sint-Albertusklooster cloister.

What artworks can be found inside the church? The interior features wooden sculptures by Raf Mailleux and paintings by Willy Minders, including a depiction of the Stations of the Cross.