See and do
in Ommel
See and do in Ommel
Ommel is known as a pilgrimage site in the Peel region; every year in May, processions and outdoor Masses take place. At the heart of it all is the statue of Our Lady with Child. Both the statue and the procession park are designated as heritage monuments.
Ommel is also surrounded by beautiful nature that invites exploration, such as the Aa Valley in De Berken and the Oostappen Heath.
Miraculous Statue – Our Lady with Child
Around the year 1400, according to an old story, a statue was found on a pasture post between Asten and Ommel. It was a statue of Our Lady with Child. The person who found it brought the statue to the priest of Asten, who placed it in the church. But in a mysterious way, the statue left the church three times, even though the door had been locked. Each time, it was found again on the same pasture post where it was originally discovered.
During its journey, the statue is said to have rested each time beneath a linden tree. At this spot—halfway between the church of Asten and Ommel—there still stands the "Keskesboom," which holds a copy of the statue. The name is somewhat misleading, as this tree was not the actual place where the statue was found.
Procession Park
Each year in May, around 50,000 visitors come to see the statue of Our Lady with Child, which can be admired in the church next to the procession park.
The park features a Calvary Hill, a Lourdes Grotto, and 14 Stations of the Cross—places for prayer, reflection, and inspiration. There are also six chapels that depict the story of the Marian statue in Ommel. Each is a unique artwork, carved from sandstone. The Calvary Hill and the six chapels are designated national monuments.
In 2022–2023, the park was completely renovated and was blessed and reopened by the bishop on May 21, 2023.
The History of Ommel
The name Ommel or Ommelen appears in documents dating back to 1400. It is derived from Omme Loo, meaning "around the forest." Around 1830, the core of Ommel consisted of about 40 inhabited buildings, mostly farms. Up until World War II, little new construction was added.
Ommel became a well-known stop on the Asten–Brouwhuis–Helmond tram line after it was established.
During World War II, approximately three-quarters of the homes in Ommel’s center were destroyed by shelling. This occurred in 1944 and cost many residents their lives. A grenade explosion at a shelter on Jan van Havenstraat killed many family members from the Klaus and Michiels families.
Throughout the centuries, Ommel has always been a well-known pilgrimage site—and it still is today. Every year in May alone, more than 50,000 people visit the statue of Our Lady with Child in the church.
Also explore the other villages in the area
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Asten
Asten
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Asten-Heusden
Asten-Heusden
