Ulicoten: Bernardus Tradition and Chapel History

Ulicoten can be explored through several specific themes: the veneration of Saint Bernardus, a chapel with a border history, a local monument and an agricultural offering. At the heart of the village is a religious tradition that Ulicoten has maintained for centuries. It is reflected in St. Bernardus Chapel, in annual celebrations and in a Way of the Cross during the Bernardus Octave. The “Harende Boer” statue and Melktap Ulicoten also offer insights into other local connections. This lets you experience the village through religious practice, cultural remembrance and agriculture.

St. Bernardus Chapel and Border History

Bernardus Chapel is located 1.5 kilometres from the church, at the end of Bosstraat. Its style, simplicity and setting invite quiet contemplation and prayer. St. Bernardus Chapel was built between May and August 1945 on the site of an earlier border chapel. This timeline links the 1945 construction with an older religious connection at the same location. The chapel is a tangible focal point for the local veneration of Saint Bernardus; the tradition itself dates back centuries in Ulicoten.

Bernardus Celebrations and Way of the Cross

The annual Bernardus celebrations take place at Easter and Pentecost; especially many devotees come on 20 August, the feast day of Saint Bernardus. Another recurring prayer event is the Way of the Cross: it is held at the chapel every year on Tuesday morning during the Bernardus Octave, from 20 to 27 August. To keep the dates clear, it is worth distinguishing between the feast day and the octave: 20 August is the feast day, while the Way of the Cross takes place on Tuesday morning within the octave. If you would like to plan your trip around a celebration, check the exact event date in advance.

The “Harende Boer” Statue

The “Harende Boer” statue stands at the corner of Dorpsstraat and Molenstraat. It was created by Jan Boeren, who was born in Ulicoten. The statue is considered a tribute to his ancestors and to former residents of Ulicoten, who are regarded as hard-working farmers. The monument thus draws attention to people from the village’s history, while the chapel is associated with the veneration of Bernardus. The word “haren” also has a practical meaning: it refers to an old method of sharpening a scythe and a sickle. Those interested in local culture and agricultural history will find here a connection to traditional work as well as the artist’s biography.

Melktap Ulicoten and Farm Tours

Melktap Ulicoten complements the cultural and religious perspective with an agricultural offering. Fresh milk from the farm’s own cows is available at the milk vending station. Farm tours can be arranged by appointment, giving visitors the chance to learn more about cows and other animals. The two options have different focuses: the vending station is all about fresh milk, while a tour offers insight into the animals. If you would also like to explore an agricultural theme on your trip, Ulicoten offers an alternative to the chapel and monument.

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