Maria, Sterre der Zee, Stella Maris (Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Maria, Sterre der Zee (Maastricht).

The "Maria, Sterre der Zee" procession on October 10th in Maastricht is a cherished tradition, honoring the Virgin Mary under the title "Star of the Sea." This annual event draws worshippers and pilgrims to celebrate Mary’s protective role over the city, symbolizing hope, guidance, and refuge. The tradition dates back centuries, with Maastricht’s faithful attributing their devotion to Mary as a source of blessings and miracles, especially for those who seek protection during life’s journeys.

The title "Sterre der Zee" (Star of the Sea) originates from Saint Jerome’s translation of the Bible in the 4th century. In his Latin Vulgate, he referred to Mary as "Stella Maris," a term that underscores her role as a spiritual compass for Christians, much like stars have long been used to guide sailors across treacherous waters. This metaphor of Mary as a guiding star became one of her most enduring titles in Catholic tradition.

The name also has deeper roots beyond Christianity. Scholars often draw parallels between Mary and the Egyptian goddess Isis, who was similarly revered as a protector of sailors and depicted with celestial imagery. Another significant connection lies with Venus, the "Morning Star" and "Evening Star," a planet that has symbolized guidance and light through the ages. The blending of these ancient symbols with Christian devotion to Mary enriches the meaning of "Sterre der Zee," linking her to an enduring legacy of hope and guidance from both pagan and biblical traditions.

In Maastricht’s procession, these layers of history and symbolism are celebrated, uniting past and present devotion in an event that honors Mary as a spiritual light for all.

Maastricht’s Sterre der Zee procession (October 10th).

The Saint Servatius procession (Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Saint Servatius’ reliquary in the streets of Maastricht.

Saint Servatius, also known as Sint Servaas in Dutch, holds a revered place in the history and religious tradition of the Netherlands, particularly in the city of Maastricht. As the earliest bishops of Maastricht in the 4th century, Saint Servatius played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity throughout the region and establishing Maastricht as a center of religious significance.

Born in the 4th century in present-day Armenia, Saint Servatius embarked on a missionary journey that ultimately led him to the Roman settlement of Maastricht. Here, he served as the city's first bishop and became renowned for his piety, wisdom, and miraculous deeds.

The Saint Servaas procession, a centuries-old tradition, pays homage to the life and legacy of Saint Servatius. Held annually in Maastricht in May, this solemn procession draws pilgrims and spectators from far and wide to witness the elaborate pageantry and religious fervor that characterize the event.

During the procession, the relics of Saint Servatius, housed in the magnificent Basilica of Saint Servatius, are carried through the streets of Maastricht in a ceremonial procession. Accompanied by clergy, worshippers, and musicians, the relics are venerated by the faithful as they pass by, invoking the intercession of Saint Servatius for blessings and protection.

Above: A glimpse into the 2024 Saint Servatius procession in Maastricht (May 19, 2024).

Remembering Roermond's city fire from 1665

The 2024 City Procession arriving at the ‘Kapel in 't Zand’.

The city fire of Roermond on May 31, 1665, started when a marksman participating in a procession fired into the air. The glowing bullet landed on a thatched roof, and the wind spread the fire. Three-quarters of the houses in the city went up in flames.

The population of the city, led by the bishop, went to the ‘Kapel in 't Zand’, just outside the city, to pray to Saint Mary. Joanna van Randenraedt, a devout unmarried woman, chose to stay in the city. She was known as a semi-saint, who had visions and predicted the future. Joanna threw a small statue of Mary from the Franciscan church into the fire. After that, the fire went out - no, it was thought that it was extinguished because of that.

Since then, every year in May, the City Procession travels from the Munsterplein to the ‘Kapel in 't Zand’. The city procession is also called the Candle Procession, because candles of the patron saints of all the water wells are carried and donated to the parish of ‘Kapel in 't Zand’. All this to thank Mary and the parish for all the help provided.

Story based on Verwoestende branden by the City Archives of Roermond.

Saint Blase Procession, Bocairent (Spain), 2023

Saint Blaise, patron of healers bold,
Your mercy and grace, a story untold.
Protector of throats, with gentle care,
Your blessings soothe, beyond compare.

In Bocairent's streets, your presence reigns,
A beacon of hope, where faith sustains.
With candles bright and prayers sincere,
Your love and guidance, ever near.

Oh, Saint Blaise, we sing your praise,
In awe of your miraculous ways.