Petrus Norbertus Donders, affectionately known as Peerke Donders, is one of Tilburg’s most famous personalities. He was born in 1809 as the son of a domestic weaver in this town known for its textile industry and after a few detours he ended up studying to be a priest. After becoming a member of the clergy he left for Paramaribo in Suriname to work with lepers. A bronze statue was erected at the edge of the attractive Wilhelmina Park in 1926 in remembrance and honour of Donders, the priest from Tilburg who was later beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982. Peerke Donder’s position on his pedestal symbolises his work. The raised cross in his right hand refers to his conversion work and his left hand on the head of the second person represents his caring for the sick. On the right side of the concrete pedestal you'll find the coat of arms of Tilburg to indicate his place of birth and the other side is decorated with a ship at sea which pays homage to Suriname, the country where Peerke Donders eventually died and in whose capital he was buried.