Sint-Rochuskerk

Sint-Rochuskerk is a Neo-Gothic parish church in Deurne, a district of Antwerp, standing on Sint-Rochusstraat in the area known as Deurne-Zuid. The building was raised to serve residents living south of the Schijn river and the Herentals Canal, in the neighborhoods of Drie Koningen, Exterlaer, and Silsburg.

Why is the church dedicated to Saint Rochus?

During the 19th century, Deurne's population grew rapidly, while the area was struck by cholera outbreaks in 1859 and again in 1866–1867. Facing this threat, residents turned to Saint Rochus, traditionally venerated as a patron protector against infectious disease, asking for his intercession. As a result, a small chapel in his honor was built in 1867.

How did the chapel grow into a full church?

As this part of Deurne kept expanding, a larger chapel was constructed in 1886, effectively functioning as a subsidiary church serving the growing neighborhoods to the south. The wooden structure was completed in 1887. Two years later, in 1889, the Sint-Rochus parish was formally recognized, and in 1890 a church fabric (the body managing the church's property and finances) was established.

When was today's stone church built?

The wooden chapel soon proved insufficient for the parish's needs, so between 1892 and 1895 a freestanding, cruciform stone basilica was built in Neo-Gothic style, designed by architect François Baeckelmans. The new building replaced the temporary wooden subsidiary church from 1887. The new Sint-Rochuskerk was solemnly consecrated on October 14, 1895.

Who consecrated the church, and what marked its early years?

The 1895 consecration was performed personally by Cardinal Goossens, underscoring the church's importance within the archdiocese's structure. Shortly afterward, on July 28, 1896, three bells intended for the church were blessed, becoming a lasting part of its furnishings and its acoustic identity within the neighborhood.

Where exactly is the church located?

Sint-Rochuskerk stands in Deurne-Zuid, a district of Antwerp, in the immediate vicinity of the area historically situated south of the Schijn and the Herentals Canal. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 51.205°N, 4.465°E, placing it in a densely built, urban part of Deurne.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the church dedicated to Saint Rochus? Because residents of Deurne turned to him for protection during the cholera epidemics of the second half of the 19th century — Saint Rochus is traditionally regarded as a patron against infectious disease.

When was the current church building constructed? The stone Neo-Gothic church was built between 1892 and 1895 to a design by François Baeckelmans, and it was consecrated on October 14, 1895.

Was there an earlier place of worship on this site? Yes — first a small chapel was erected in 1867, followed by a larger wooden subsidiary church in 1886–1887, which was eventually replaced by the current stone building.

Who consecrated the church? Cardinal Goossens consecrated it on October 14, 1895.