On the Pastoor Joorenplein, in front of the former Sint-Joseph Church, stands the impressive Sacred Heart statue: a striking religious monument with rich cultural-historical significance for Bergen op Zoom. The first plans for this statue date back to 1915, when the land – where the fountain of Janus Dingemans once stood – was transferred to the church board. The initiative came from Father Govaerts, priest of the Juvenaat, who saw this as a fitting and dignified location for a Sacred Heart statue.

The creation of the monument was a meticulous process. On the advice of experts, several prominent Dutch sculptors were invited to create a design. Ultimately, the commission was awarded to sculptor J. Geelen Jr. from Roermond. The statue was entirely funded by the parishioners themselves, who collectively raised the considerable sum of 22,000 guilders – a testament to their great commitment and sense of community.

The bronze statue depicts Christ with the Sacred Heart as a symbol of love, protection, and mercy. It stands on a natural stone pedestal with a cruciform ground plan. Particularly noteworthy are the four coats of arms placed on the pedestal: those of the Pope, the Bishop, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the city of Bergen op Zoom. This visibly demonstrates the connection between faith, the ecclesiastical hierarchy, the state, and the local community. The Latin text “To His King, His Citizens” “– The citizens to their King –” underlines this idea.

Nowadays, the Sacred Heart statue is not only a religious symbol, but also a recognisable landmark in the city and a silent witness to the Catholic past and the togetherness of Bergen op Zoom.

More information about this image and the other images in our city can be found at KidOR, Foundation Art in Public Spaces.

This image is part of a walking route.