Pater Karel Kapel

The wonderful story of Father Karel, an 'ordinary' Limburg boy with healing hands, is remembered in many places. Between Sittard and Geleen lies the town of Munstergeleen, where Joannes Andreas Houben was born on December 11, 1821.

However, he is popularly known as Father Karel. This special Limburger started his life as a young boy in Munstergeleen in South Limburg and continued his way via Belgium to England and Ireland.

The father spoke poor English and therefore could not preach. However, with his listening ear and healing powers, he took away the worries of many. He comforted many sick and rich and is said to have even healed two critically ill people.

This ordinary Limburg boy was therefore a beacon of hope and comfort for hundreds of people. To this day, people commemorate this miracle worker, whose roots lay in South Limburg.

He was and is commemorated in various places where Father Karel stayed. For example, when he died, thousands of Irish went to Mount Argus to pay him their last respects.

At the birthplace on the Geleenbeek, the barn was converted into a Mariakapel in 1954 with a special corner in honor of Father Karel. The chapel is a place where people find strength and hope when they come there for a short prayer, to light a candle or to take a walk in the garden.

Every year there are thousands of visitors who come to light a candle.

The Father Karel Chapel is one of the wonder locations on the Route full of Wonder . During this cycling route through the Grensmaasvallei, more than 30 locations can be visited digitally when they are not open to the public. Curious about the stories or take a look inside? View the 360-degree tour or listen to the audio tour .

This text has been automatically translated using an online translation service.

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