Our Lady of the Assumption

Kerknet

This church has a rich history dating back to 1068, when it was founded as an abbey church. Like many religious buildings, it was destroyed after the French Revolution and later rebuilt several times. Between 1807 and 1811, it was reconstructed in Neoclassical style with three aisles and an integrated west tower. The First World War caused further destruction, and the present church was built in 1923 to the plans of architect Jules Coomans.

The church remains surrounded by its historic cemetery, where the impressive tomb of the de Geus family can still be seen, along with several old gravestones incorporated into the walls of the side aisles.

Architecturally, the building combines Neo-Romanesque features with regional and Neo-Byzantine influences. It was constructed in the characteristic yellow polder stone, while bluestone was used for decorative details. The Neo-Romanesque interior preserves memories of the former Augustinian Abbey of Our Lady of Voormezele, including a painting depicting the abbey in 1619, a commemorative plaque listing its provosts and abbots, and several stone objects originating from the monastery, such as a holy-water font and a heraldic cartouche.

Each year, on the first Sunday after Pentecost, the Holy Blood Procession takes place. It honours the relic of the Holy Blood preserved in the church, believed to have been brought back from Rome by Knight Isaac in 1152. In 1952, the 800th anniversary of the relic gave rise to the modern form of the procession. Today, around 650 participants take part in this colourful event, recreating the historical tradition through music, acting and ceremonial performances.

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