Saint Anthony of Padua Church (Charleroi)

Nestled in the heart of Charleroi’s “Ville-basse” district, the Saint Anthony of Padua Church, known locally as Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk, stands as a testament to the city’s rich historical and architectural heritage. This Roman Catholic church, with its neoclassical façade and storied past, offers visitors a serene escape and a glimpse into Charleroi’s spiritual and cultural journey.

The Historical Journey

The history of the Saint Anthony of Padua Church is a tapestry of faith, resilience, and community spirit. The story begins in 1678 when the Capuchin friars established a monastery in what is now the “Ville-basse” district. The area, then part of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, saw the foundation stone of the Capuchin monastery laid on March 12, 1681, by the Deputy Governor, Don Juan De la Passe. The accompanying monastery church was completed in 1689, thanks to the generosity of Laurent Jacquier, the Baron of Rosée.

As Charleroi's population grew, so did the need for a dedicated place of worship. In 1709, the Prince-Bishop of Liège granted permission for a new church, but the project was never realized due to various challenges. The French occupation in 1797 led to the suppression of monasteries and the closure of churches, including the Capuchin monastery, which was repurposed as a hospital.

With the Concordat of 1801 restoring religious freedom, the “Ville-basse” district finally achieved its long-awaited status as an autonomous parish in 1804. The former monastery church became the parish church, and Reverend Albert Roisin served as its first pastor from 1805 to 1810.

The Birth of Saint Anthony of Padua Church

In 1815, following Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, King William I of the Netherlands assumed control over the region. Under the guidance of Dutch architect Jan Kuypers, the current Saint Anthony of Padua Church was constructed between 1828 and 1830 on the site of the closed Capuchin monastery. The church, built at a cost of approximately 30,000 guilders, was completed by contractors Charles Barbier, Lambert Charlier, Benoît Louant, and Jean-François Millamps.

The church was modestly consecrated on September 15, 1830, amidst the turbulence of the Belgian Revolution against King William I. A commemorative stone with a chronogram in the front porch reads: ProVIDentIa aUspICe hoC sanCtUarIUm peragItUr (This sanctuary was erected with the help of Providence). On April 16, 1837, Bishop Gaspard-Joseph Labis solemnly consecrated the church, a moment immortalized by another chronogram behind the main altar.

Architectural Marvels

The Saint Anthony of Padua Church, with its neoclassical design, stands out amidst the surrounding buildings. The façade, reminiscent of the Temple of Minerva (the Pantheon) in Athens, features a portico supported by four columns and a triangular pediment. Atop the roof, a small bell tower, reinforced in 1865, adds a distinctive charm.

The church’s interior is equally captivating. The nave stretches 20 meters in length and 8 meters in width, while the side aisles are 5 meters wide. Semi-circular windows adorned with colorful glass, predominantly yellow and red, illuminate the space. The floor, a mosaic of black and white marble tiles, adds to the church’s elegance.

The Choir and Main Altar

The choir, measuring 10 meters by 8.53 meters, is adorned with four semi-circular stained glass windows depicting scenes from the New Testament. These windows, created in 1956 by local surrealist painter Jean Ransy, add a touch of modern artistry to the historic church. The neoclassical main altar, crafted by Antwerp sculptor Jan-Baptist Van Hool, features intricate carvings of laurel wreaths, fruit, flowers, the Lamb of God, and a cherub bust.

Flanking the altar are nearly life-sized wooden statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, adding a solemn reverence to the sacred space.

The Side Aisles

The side aisles house two beautifully carved wooden altars, each crowned by a significant painting. The left aisle features “Our Lady of Sorrows” by renowned Charleroi-born painter François-Joseph Navez, donated to the church in 1846. The right aisle showcases “The Preaching of Saint Anthony in Africa” by Jean-François Portaels, Navez’s son-in-law and an accomplished orientalist painter.

Between the left aisle and the nave stands a lindenwood statue of “Our Lady with the Child Jesus,” initially polychromed but now stripped of its paint. Similarly, a statue of Saint Anthony of Padua, crafted between 1830 and 1834, graces the right aisle. A small chapel at the rear of the right aisle is dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary.

Other Notable Features

The original baptismal font, once located near the entrance, was moved to the nave in 1987 to accommodate contemporary practices. Architect Baudouin Librecht transformed the former baptistery into a welcoming space.

The church's organ, built in 1865 by Brussels organ builder Pierre Schyven, was expanded and renovated in 1962 by the Delmotte workshop from Tournai. The church also houses four half-open confessionals, two of which date back to the early 19th century and two from the medieval priory of Oignies.

Though the original pulpit is no longer intact, remnants of its grandeur remain. Carved figures depicting Saint Anthony receiving the Child Jesus from the Virgin Mary can still be admired in the right aisle near the entrance.

The Saint Anthony of Padua Church is more than just a place of worship; it is a monument to the enduring faith and resilience of the Charleroi community. Its walls, adorned with art and history, invite visitors to reflect on the past and find inspiration for the future. A visit to this church offers a serene and enriching experience, making it a must-see landmark in Charleroi.