On 13 December 1922, the non profit organisation “Les Amis de la Basilique Nationale du Sacre- Cœur à Koekelberg, à Ganshoren lez Bruxelles” was founded with the intention to organise fund raising for the construction of the basilica.
The goal of the non profit organisation is clearly mentioned in its charters: ”The project of King Leopold II and the wish of Cardinal Mercier on behalf of the Belgian bishops to establish a National Basilica at the plateau of Koekelberg. The organisation will do everything to encourage people in Belgium and abroad to finish the building; the organisation will collect all the donations in order to construct and maintain the building; and will verify its destination. For this purpose, the organisation will use the most diverse means for this purpose, for example make publicity, organise conferences, performances, collections, installation of local committees…”
To make the founding of our non-profit organization possible, it was necessary to pass a specific law. This was the law of June 27, 1921, granting legal personality to non-profit associations, which formed the legal framework for all other associations created subsequently.
Today, the non-profit organization Amis de la Basilique (BCE 0407.831.946) is managed by a Board of Directors chaired by Mr. Dominique MICHEL. Day-to-day operations are handled by Ms. Martine MOTTEUX-ABELOOS, Managing Director.
Lieutenant General Guido VANHECKE, Vice-President
Episcopal Vicar Anthony FRISON, Rector-Pastor
Mrs Frieda DECLERCQ, Treasurer
Mr Robert de THIBAULT
Mrs Myriam VAN VARENBERGH
M. Gerald de HEMPTINNE
A team of about ten people contributes daily to the maintenance and cultural and heritage life of the Basilica.
