Extremely picturesque, the lovely chapel is located above the Morbach district of Weiperath under a mighty oak tree. The local heritage association Weiperath states on its homepage about the chapel:
"The "Backes" chapel stands on the former path to Odert under a 300-year-old, tousled oak tree. The correct name is "Maria Ruh". It was built between 1855 and 1857 by the Stein family (house name: Backes). With this, the family fulfilled a promise, as their prayers were heard and one of their two daughters was healed from a serious illness. Inside, there is a replica of the grotto of Lourdes on a masonry pedestal, where a statue of the Mother of God stands. Inserted into the front wall of the pedestal is a sandstone that shows a relief of the flight into Egypt.
It comes from a wayside shrine that stood at the same place before this little sanctuary was built. Under the ceiling, there is an oval relief with the same motif. You will find a kneeler for praying, numerous burning candles, and votive tablets that testify to answered prayers. The "Backes" chapel has been renovated several times, the last time in the 1970s. It was placed under monument protection on March 9, 1983."
A plaque located in the chapel further states that the healed girl, Gertrud Stein or "Backes Traud", cared for the sick, the ailing, and the dying in Weiperath for over 50 years and was not only knowledgeable about local medicinal herbs and ointment production but also particularly empathetic towards those in need. In this respect, it is nice that the exemplary behavior of Gertrud Stein is remembered today through the "Backes Chapel"!
