Sint-Jan-Baptist
Kerkstraat 1
3211 Binkom (Lubbeek)
Church | 1870 | Neogothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 June - 14 September
Mon -
Tue -
Wed -
Thu -
Fri 10.00 - 16.00
Sat 10.00 - 16.00
Sun 10.00 - 16.00
Guided tour
Religious offices
Description
The parish church is often hailed as the 'Cathedral of the Hageland', because of its large dimensions compared to the small size of the village.
The Flemish Institute for Immovable Heritage does no honor to the church: "The only old element in this neo-Gothic whole is the western tower, with its small southern turret. It is a solid square structure with three floors of sand-lime brick and quartzite, in transition style (13th century). "
Other authorities are more generous. The Guide for Flanders for example points quite rightly on the figure Alexander Van Arenbergh, an architect. The Leuven architect family Van Arenbergh built dozens of neo-Gothic churches in the Hageland. The church of Binkom was, with the exception of the 13th-century western tower, completely new built by him in 1874-1875.
The Davidsfonds Publication “Hageland from A to Z" also points to the grave of Father Jacob Mellaerts against the churchyard wall on the side of the church choir. Jacob Mellaerts born in Binkom (1845-1925), is known as a social worker and co-founder of the Belgian Farmers’ Union.
On the inside the figurative stained-glass windows are especially eye-catching, including a choir window from 1888 by Grossé. The neo-Gothic main altar from 1894 and Van Dinter organ from ca. 1850 are very valuable.
The church council wants to open the church to the public to meet the desire of many to visit the church out of cultural or spiritual reasons, to look around or to experience peace and tranquility within the church.
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Altar of the Holy Mary
Via the left aisle we approach the altar of the Holy Mary, also called the altar of the Mysteries. The Mysteries, events in the life of Mary and Jesus, are recalled and recited when saying the rosary. This can thus make you more aware of the message in the Bible. The altar dates from 1905 and was made in the workshop of Billaux-Grossé in neo-gothic style
High altar
This altar was put together from 5 panels from the former pulpit. The high altar consists of a table top in bluestone. Above the table is an oak structure showing two scenes. In the middle beneath the oak capony is the tabernacle in gilded copper. Written at the bottom is: Adoro te devote latens Deitas. This is the first line of a hymn sung during benediction, about the hidden presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Altar of Saint Wivina
The neo-gothic side altar of Saint Wivina in the south transept style dates from 1911 and is made in artificial stone and marble. Saint Wivina was abbess at the convent of Groot-Bijgaarden in the 12the century. According to legend, she rekindled an extinguished candle. She is the patron saint worshipped for eye and throat diseases and foot and mouth desease. She is portrayed in convent habit, carrying a sceptre in one hand (symbol of an abbess) and a burning candle in the other.
Stained glass windows
In total there are 38 picture and decorative stained glass windows in the church. Especially noteworthty are the large window in the south transept, depicting the Holy Virgin, and the large window in the north transept wall depicting the archangel Gabriel and Adam and Eve leaving Paradise. The half-circle shaped window above the entrance shows God the Father. In the background on either side of his shoulders are the letters Alfa and Omega, meaning God is the beginning and the end of all things. There are also four seraph heads. Sheraphs are the highest order of heavenly angels, the word literally meaning 'he who burns'. Their aura is exceptionally beautiful and strong, and almost impossible to comprehend for humans. The are depicted with 6 wings and fire flames.
Organ
In the organ loft is a valuable Van Dinter organ (1850). Around 1900 is was reconstructed and placed in a neo-gothic case by A. D'Hondt from Kessel-lo. The sound of organ music can enhance the total impression of the church building.
