Located in the center of the village square, in the village of St. Antonius, Noord Brabant, this beautiful church featuring a medieval tower is it’s oldest building.
The monumental part of the church and the tower date back to 1477. The tower has an octagonal spire and is an example of Medieval village Gothic architecture.
This beautiful, medieval, wooden cross pulls our eyes past the art depicted of the stained glass windows.
The cross dates back to around 1480 and is the work of the famous Late Medieval sculptor Master Arnt.
The beautiful stained glass windows of the church were designed by the artistic priest-poet Jonas van Delft who served as pastor of St. Antonius from 1927 to 1957. They were completed before World War 2, and stored for safe keeping during that time.
This oak pulpit, dating back to 1694, features the writers of the Holy Gospels. Their symbols are depicted as: Matthew with the angel; Mark with the lion; Luke with the ox; and John with the eagle.
The wooden statue of St. Antonius is from 1850. The artist is J.F. Beuijssen from Boxmeer.
The Madonna, holding baby Jesus in her arms, are adorned with silver crowns. The artist was the renowned Boxmeer silversmith Rabanus Raad. Dated 1749.
The four white crosses are for four British soldiers who died in St. Antonius during the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of World War 2. The unit that they were a part of is the same unit that our son-in-laws father served in.
The wear and tear on this beautiful piece depicting Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem does not at all interfer with the message being conveyed.
Touring this amazing square with it’s beautiful church was an emotional and moving time for me.
Sharing this time with my cousin Toos and her family, as they toured myself and my family through the village where our family has it’s roots was, I think, my favourite day in the Netherlands.
Groovy Tales of a Well Adult 