Felicitaskerk, Spijkenisse

In the charming town of Spijkenisse, nestled in the Dutch province of South Holland, lies a modern architectural marvel and a beacon of faith – the Felicitaskerk, also known locally as Sint-Felicitaskerk. This Roman Catholic church, dedicated to Saint Felicitas of Rome, is not just a place of worship but a vibrant community hub that has evolved with the town's growth and development.

The Journey to a New Home

The story of Felicitaskerk is one of determination and community spirit. The original church, built in 1962 on Lisstraat, served the parishioners well for many years. However, its less-than-central location prompted the then-pastor Kurvers and the church administration to seek a more accessible site. Their efforts bore fruit in 1986 when a new, centrally located church was constructed on Hekelingseweg. This transition wasn't just a change of address but a significant upgrade, incorporating elements from the old church, such as the tabernacle, cornerstone, organ, and a unique glass-in-concrete window.

Architectural Brilliance

The new Felicitaskerk is a testament to modern architectural ingenuity. Designed by Maarten Min, a disciple of the renowned architect Aldo van Eyck, the church is a multifunctional building spread over three floors. It houses various meeting rooms, the pastor's office, a large coffee room used for catechesis, and of course, the main church hall. Min's father, Jaap Min, contributed to the church's aesthetic by designing a large stained-glass window for the chancel, adding a touch of artistic heritage to the building.

Interior Splendor

Step inside the Felicitaskerk, and you'll be greeted by a harmonious blend of colors and materials. The predominant hues of blue and green, interspersed with various shades, create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The grey concrete, a staple of modern architecture, adds to the church's understated elegance. The western side of the church features a large glass wall, allowing natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and welcoming space. On the eastern side, the stained-glass window depicting Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6:1-8) introduces warmer tones, adding to the church's spiritual ambiance.

The church's structure is supported by twelve pillars, each adorned with consecration crosses representing the Twelve Apostles. Flanking the nave are the Stations of the Cross, depicted in a classical style using mother-of-pearl, a heartfelt donation from a family in memory of their son. In a chapel within the church, you'll find a wooden image of the Virgin Mary, painted by Pièrre de Grauw O.S.A., adding a touch of devotional art to the sacred space.

A Parish with a Rich History

The origins of the Felicitas parish date back to 1957 when Spijkenisse's Catholic community was granted permission to hold Mass in a former public school on Vredehofstraat. Before this, they had been using a dance hall in a local restaurant. The parish was officially established on February 21, 1960, by Bishop Jansen of Rotterdam. Initially, the parish made use of the former Protestant Ontmoetingskerk until their own church on Lisstraat was completed in 1962.

Over the years, the parish has seen many dedicated priests, including Frans Cornelis Kempen, who served until his passing in 2005. The parish community has always been active and vibrant, even forming a second parish, the Emmaüsparochie, in 1967. This parish later merged back with the Felicitas parish in 1972, demonstrating the community's unity and resilience.

A Modern-Day Community Hub

Today, the Felicitaskerk continues to serve as a central hub for the local Catholic community. It is part of the larger Heiligen Nicolaas Pieck en Gezellenparochie, a parish that encompasses several church buildings in the region, including those in Hellevoetsluis, Rozenburg, Hoogvliet, Brielle, and Rhoon. This merger, which took place on July 1, 2010, has strengthened the community, ensuring that the church remains a vital part of the spiritual and social fabric of Spijkenisse.

Visiting the Felicitaskerk is not just about attending a service; it's about experiencing a piece of living history. Whether you're admiring the modern architectural design, reflecting on the beautiful stained-glass windows, or participating in one of the many community activities, the Felicitaskerk offers a welcoming and enriching experience for all.

So, if you find yourself in Spijkenisse, take a moment to visit the Felicitaskerk. It's a place where history, architecture, and community come together, creating a sanctuary of peace and reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.