On the Way with Mary, for a Missionary Church
[FR]
LEUVEN, Belgium - Visitors to St Quentin’s Church in Leuven will find a painting depicting the annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of Neerwaver (Basse-Wavre), established following the end of a severe plague epidemic in 1652. Jan Buyckx, the parish priest at the time who organised the pilgrimage and donated this painting, is also depicted. This annual pilgrimage still takes place on the first Saturday in May, Marian month. Meanwhile, the Leuven-aan-de-Dijle pastoral zone and the Montfortian Fathers have thrown their weight behind this initiative, as has the Nethen pastoral unit (Walloon Brabant).
So, on Saturday 2 May 2026, the time had come once again. Walkers, cyclists and motorists set off for Basse Wavre at 7.30 am, 10.45 am and 2 pm respectively, under the theme: ‘On the Way with Mary, for a missionary Church’. Following in the footsteps of thousands of predecessors since 1653, a diverse, multicultural group of young and old made their way through woods and fields. While the walkers prayed and sang in groups in many languages, 28 cyclists later set off under the guidance of Father Jos Van den Bergh SMM. In total, around a hundred pilgrims took part, accompanied by sunshine all day long.
At our stopover in Nethen, Father Jean-Pierre gave us a warm welcome. Following a testimony from Father Trésor ESAMPELE SMM and the packed lunches provided by Tine and Martine, we reached the basilica of Basse Wavre at around 3 pm. The ringing of the bells and the recitation of the litany upon our arrival created a moment of deep emotion.
During the Eucharistic celebration, accompanied musically by Guy’s ad hoc choir, Father Ghislain KASEREKA SMM spoke in his homily about the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth. Mary shows us how we can take action to bring Jesus to others. Father Ghislain gave us a beautiful task: “God gives everyone a small lamp of love; let it shine for people near and far.”
The day ended on a convivial note with Jacqueline’s now-famous cakes in the ‘Maria Pacis’ hall. Many thanks to all the helping hands who made this day possible. A beautiful day of encounter and prayer, with sunshine, but above all with enthusiasm in union with Mary.
Leuven Pastoral Zone and the Montfort Fathers
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