Statue Constant Lievens

The Constant Lievens Statue in Moorslede is a bronze equestrian monument on the Marktplaats, the market square of this West Flemish municipality. It honours a Jesuit missionary whom the town regards as its most celebrated son.

Who was Constant Lievens?

Constant Lievens, a Jesuit born in Moorslede, travelled in the 19th century to Chota Nagpur in eastern India. He worked among the Adivasi communities, including the Munda people, and became a deeply respected figure there. His memory lives on both in India and in Belgium, where locals simply call him Pater Lievens. Moorslede is sometimes affectionately nicknamed "Lievensdorp", Lievens' village.

What does the monument look like?

The sculpture shows the missionary on horseback, a nod to the fact that he was an experienced rider. He holds a crucifix high with both arms, a symbol of his mission work in Chota Nagpur. The statue is cast in bronze and rises on a hardstone pedestal. It was designed by sculptor Josué Dupon and cast at the Minne art foundry in Ghent.

It was unveiled on 11 August 1929 during large celebrations. It is the only equestrian statue in Flanders dedicated to a missionary, which makes it a curiosity even for visitors who know little about mission history.

Why stop here?

• Rarity. Equestrian monuments in Belgium usually portray rulers or military leaders. Here the hero is a priest and traveller.
• Heritage protection. The statue is listed in the Flemish heritage inventory (object 214947) and was protected as a monument in 2013.
• Town centre location. It stands on the market square, so it fits easily into a stroll around Moorslede and its local walking routes.
• A link with India. A similar horseback statue of Lievens stands in Torpa, in the heart of the Munda region, showing how lasting the bond between the two places is.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the statue? On the market square of Moorslede, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium.

When was it unveiled? On 11 August 1929.

Who designed it? Josué Dupon. The Minne foundry in Ghent did the casting.

What does the rider hold? A crucifix, raised high in both arms.

Is there an entrance fee? No. The monument stands in an open public space and can be seen at any time.

How long does a visit take? A few minutes to a quarter of an hour is enough to see the statue itself. It is worth allowing extra time for a relaxed walk around the square and nearby streets, and to read any information panels on site.

Who is it for?

History lovers, fans of public sculpture and anyone interested in Flemish heritage. It is a good stop for travellers exploring the Ypres area and its First World War battlefields, since Moorslede lies in that region. The monument tells a very different story from the nearby war cemeteries: that of a man who left a Flemish village for the other side of the world and was remembered there for generations.