The Sint-Pieterskerk (St Peter's church) in Bertem (Belgium)

The Sint-Pieterskerk in Bertem (Belgium).

The Sint-Pieterskerk in Bertem, Belgium, is a Meuse-Romanesque church with deep historical roots dating back to the 11th century. Built on the remnants of an older structure, it is one of the best-preserved Romanesque buildings in Belgium. Its sturdy, almost fortress-like design reflects the architectural style of the time, with thick walls and small windows. The church has served as a religious center for nearly a millennium and is an excellent example of the Meuse-Romanesque architecture. Some later additions and modifications reflecting the evolving needs of its parishioners.

Throughout its history, the Sint-Pieterskerk witnessed many historical events, from religious reformations to local conflicts, yet it remained a constant in the village’s spiritual life. Its interior houses a unique collection of medieval art, including a beautiful carved baptismal font and religious statues. The graveyard surrounding the church, as well as the crypt, also adds to the historical significance of this remarkable building.

Despite facing the challenges of time and war, the Sint-Pieterskerk has undergone several restorations to preserve its architectural and historical integrity. Today, it remains not only a place of worship but also a testament to the religious and cultural history of the region, offering insight into Belgium’s medieval past.

Aulne Abbey (Thuin, Belgium)

Aulne Abbey.

In a green valley near Thuin, Belgium, Aulne Abbey stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of medieval grandeur. Founded in the 7th century by Saint Landelin, a converted brigand turned monk, the abbey originally served as a place of solitude and prayer. Over the centuries, it evolved from a Benedictine monastery into a flourishing Cistercian abbey, known for its intellectual influence and the serene landscapes of its gardens.

However, Aulne’s prosperity also invited hardship. It was repeatedly plundered and set ablaze during the Middle Ages but rose each time, transforming into a rich religious center by the 18th century. This enduring legacy met its tragic end during the French Revolution when invading forces reduced it to ruins, leaving behind the skeletal beauty of Gothic arches and ivy-draped stone walls. Today, the ruins of Aulne Abbey are a silent testimony to its former splendor, echoing the rise, resilience, and fall of a place that once thrived in the Belgian countryside.

The Legend of Maria Magdalena's journey to France

A triptych depicting the legend of Maria Magdalena. (15th century, Saint Leonard Church, Zoutleeuw)

The legend of Maria Magdalena's journey to France is a tale deeply entrenched in Christian tradition and folklore. According to this legend, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Maria Magdalena, along with her brother Lazarus, sister Martha, and other followers of Jesus, faced persecution in Judea.

Fleeing from the hostility of their adversaries, Maria Magdalena, Lazarus, Martha, and a group of companions, including Maximinus and Cedonius, were placed aboard a ship without a pilot. The intention was to cast them adrift at sea, with the expectation that they would perish. However, through what was believed to be the intervention of God, the ship miraculously arrived on the shores of Marseille, France.

Upon their arrival in Marseille, they found no welcome from the locals, so they took refuge in a portico near a pagan temple. Despite the inhospitable reception, Maria Magdalena boldly began preaching the Gospel, urging the people to turn away from idolatry and embrace Christianity. Her eloquence, beauty, and devotion to Christ captivated the crowds, drawing many to the Christian faith.

One notable encounter occurred when the governor and his wife sought to make offerings to pagan gods in hopes of conceiving a child. Maria Magdalena dissuaded them from their intentions, preaching to them about the one true God. Her prayers for the governor's wife to conceive were answered, further cementing her reputation as a holy figure.

However, the governor's reluctance to heed her warnings and aid the needy provoked a divine warning. Maria Magdalena appeared to the governor and his wife in a series of vivid dreams, chastising them for their indifference to the suffering of others. Fearing the wrath of God, they relented and provided assistance to Maria Magdalena and her companions.

The legend continues as Maria Magdalena and her followers embarked on a mission to spread Christianity throughout France. They traveled to various regions, performing miracles and converting multitudes to the Christian faith. Eventually, they settled in Aix, where Lazarus became the bishop of the city and Maximinus a bishop as well.

In her final years, Maria Magdalena withdrew to a remote location, where she spent thirty years in solitude, yearning for spiritual communion with God. Her legacy as a devoted follower of Christ and a powerful evangelist endured, shaping the early Christian community in France and inspiring countless believers throughout the centuries.

The Hakendover Horse Procession

Traditionally, on Easter Monday, the international horse procession takes place in the Hakendover (Belgium). The procession originated from the founding legend of the Church of the Divine Savior. Every year, more than 20,000 pilgrims and spectators flock to the Flemish Brabant village, making the Hakendover horse procession the third largest procession in the country. Believers and spectators come mainly from Flanders, Walloon Brabant, and the Dutch province of Brabant. Since 1890, Dutch pilgrims have been visiting Hakendover because processions were long forbidden in The Netherlands.

The horse procession starts after the high mass and depicts the founding legend of the church. Hundreds of riders and thousands of pilgrims accompany the 14th-century image of the Divine Savior through the streets of Hakendover, across the fields, to the altar on the ‘Tiense Berg’. They form a colorful procession full of extras, schoolchildren, associations, statues, brass bands, singing people, and horses. Once they arrive, the ground, pilgrims, horses, and riders are blessed. As the highlight, the horses gallop around the altar and the pilgrims three times because legend has it that the trampled ground will yield rich fruits.

The impressive horse gallop attracts many spectators. It is breathtaking to see how riders and horses make their way through the dust or the splashing mud. At the start of the procession, the spectators eagerly join the parade. They want to be in time at the Tiense Berg to see the gallop. Only when riders, horses, and procession participants return to the paved road does the procession calm down. Then the spectators stand on the side of the road to enjoy the passing spectacle.

Saint Leonard's Church, Zoutleeuw (Belgium)

The Church of Saint Leonard in Zoutleeuw, Belgium, is a remarkable example of Brabantine Gothic architecture and holds significant historical and cultural importance. Constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries, the church stands as a testament to the wealth and power of Zoutleeuw during the Middle Ages.

The church's exterior is characterized by its imposing tower, rising over 50 meters tall, adorned with intricately carved sculptures and decorative elements. The tower serves as a prominent landmark in the town and can be seen from miles around.

Inside, the Church of Saint Leonard boasts a stunning array of medieval art and architecture. Visitors are greeted by a spacious nave supported by sturdy columns, with soaring vaulted ceilings overhead. The church is adorned with magnificent stained glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and saints, and intricate stone carvings adorn the walls and pillars.

One of the most notable features of the church is its rich collection of religious artwork, including altarpieces, sculptures, and paintings. The highlight is undoubtedly the masterpiece altarpiece by Flemish artist Jan van Dornicke, depicting the life of Saint Leonard.