The Chapel of the Venerable Blessed Sacrament or Heggekapel is the oldest building in the municipality of Lille. It was commissioned by Jan van Vriesele, the lord of Poederlee, and built in 1442 so as never to forget the great miracle that took place there.
In January 1412, a chalice containing five consecrated hosts was stolen from the church in Wechelderzande. The thief of the chalice got lost near the 'Hegge' on his return to the inn in Herentals where he was staying. According to the criminal, this was because of the consecrated hosts. He hid them in a rabbit pipe and found his way back slightly later. At the inn, however, the sheriff was waiting for him and on searching his clothes, the chalice was found. The thief confessed to his crime and said he had hidden five consecrated hosts in an unconsecrated place. After eight days, the hosts were recovered intact. The thief was executed. His right hand was cut off with an axe and burned, after which the unfortunate fellow was hanged.
Every year on the Sunday after Sacrament Day, a procession to the Heggekapel takes place. Every twenty-five years, the Ommegang of the Hegge procession is held.
