u/MedicineAlarming4663

Hello everyone!

I am a l Catholic with a particular devotion to Saint Ghislain, a 7th-century saint from Hainaut, Belgium.

While researching his devotion, I recently discovered something that really surprised and touched me: the Saint Ghislain Roadside Chapel of the Flemal family, at Saint Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Misere.

From what I have been able to discover, the chapel was built by Constant and Mary Flemal after they had lost several children to convulsions. They prayed a novena to Saint Ghislain, who has traditionally been invoked in Belgium for children suffering from convulsions. After they were blessed with three healthy children, they built the chapel in thanksgiving.

For me, this is a beautiful example of how Belgian Catholic faith and popular devotion travelled across the Atlantic with Belgian immigrants. As far as I have been able to establish, this may be the only place of devotion to Saint Ghislain in North America.

I am hoping that someone here might be able to help me learn more about the chapel and its present situation.

Does anyone know:

• Who currently owns the Saint Ghislain Chapel and the property on which it stands?

• Who looks after (or maintains) the chapel today?

• What is the current condition of the chapel? Is it still in good shape, or does it need restoration or repairs?

• Is the chapel still accessible to visitors?

• Is the devotion to Saint Ghislain still known among local families in Brussels/Misere?

• Does anyone have any historical information, photographs, prayers, or records concerning the chapel or the Flemal family?

• Are there any older residents or descendants of the Flemal family who might know more about its history?

I would be extremely grateful for any information, memories, photographs, documents or contacts that people might be willing to share.

If anyone knows something about the chapel (even a small detail): I would love to hear from you!

Saint Ghislain, pray for us. 🙏

I’ll be living in Leuven for the foreseeable future (not as a student) and, as a young Catholic man, I’d love to get involved in some Catholic organisations, movements or initiatives in the city. I’m mainly looking to volunteer, meet new people and make friends with others who share my faith.

I’m not really looking for another regular parish community, but more for Catholic associations, movements, volunteer opportunities or other activities outside the usual parish setting.

Are there any organisations or groups in Leuven that you would recommend?

Side note: I speak Dutch, but I find it easier to write in English.

I’ll be visiting Leiden soon from abroad and would love to attend Holy Mass at a Catholic church there. Are there any churches you would especially recommend?

I’d also be very interested in devotional places such as Marian grottos, chapels, shrines, or other places of prayer and pilgrimage in or around Leiden. Any recommendations or local tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance! 🙏