The church in Machelen is quite special. For a long time, it was a popular destination for pilgrims because it houses the relics of Saints Cornelius and Ghislenus. Saint Cornelius is depicted with a horn. He is the patron saint of farmers and livestock. The pilgrims were therefore often farmers, who prayed for protection for their livestock. In 1921, the year Raveel was born, Machelen was still visited by an impressive 40,000 pilgrims. After the Second World War, the popularity of the pilgrimage site declined.

The current building dates from the 17th century, but the base of the tower is originally Romanesque. The west façade, made of Tournai limestone, dates back to the Middle Ages.

Inside the church is a three-part marble statue, which is said to have served as inspiration for Raveel's paintings in the Chapel of Mary Help of Christians.

Next to the church is the grave of Roger Raveel, who died in 2013 at the age of 91. His gravestone was designed by Ostend architect Marc Felix.

Four years earlier, in 2009, Zulma De Nijs, Raveel's first wife and muse, also passed away. Her grave can be found on the other side of the church. Roger and Zulma were married for more than 60 years. She appears in countless paintings and drawings by Raveel. Raveel designed her grave and immortalised her recognisable silhouette.