Temporary Suspension of Celebrations and Gatherings at the Eendrachtskapel

The Eendrachtskapel (Eendrachtsstraat 95 in Rotterdam) is temporarily closed for all liturgical celebrations and gatherings. This decision has been made by the board of the Eendrachtskapel following an inspection by Construction Bureau De Prouw BV.

The inspection was conducted at the request of the Eendrachtskapel’s board after loose parts of the vaults were found on the chapel’s floor. These loose parts include pieces of plasterwork and small sections from the arch of a vault.

The conclusion of the construction bureau, in consultation with the bishop’s advisory construction bureau, which provides advice to the Eendrachtskapel's board, is that no liturgical celebrations and gatherings can take place in the Eendrachtskapel. It must be closed to the public due to the situation and the risk of additional pieces of stone that may potentially fall from the middle part of the chapel.

In the short term, efforts will be made to determine which church building can host the Eucharistic celebrations. In the Eendrachtskapel, Eucharistic celebrations are conducted in Dutch on Fridays and Saturdays, with preceding rosary prayer and Eucharistic adoration. On Sundays, the international student community gathers for the English-language mass. Wednesdays are dedicated to the recitation of the rosary. The hall of the presbytery can be used for this purpose.

Construction Bureau De Prouw BV states that the damage to the chapel is a result of the gradual sinking of the Eendrachtskapel. The damage is confined to the interior of the chapel. Several stones in the street facade of the chapel will be removed to create space in the frontage to accommodate further sinking. There is no risk of damage to the surrounding area or to residents.

All Saints and All Souls

• 1 November All Saints Holy Mass in English at St Dominic’s Church (Steiger) at 19.30 hrs
• 2 November All Souls, commemoration of the Faithful Departed Holy Mass in English at St Dominic’s Church (Steiger) at 19.30 hrs
• Sunday 3 November Holy Mass in English at St Dominic’s Church (Steiger) at 18.30 hrs

(Photo: Ramon Mangold)