Sharp Hill

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Scherpenheuvel.

A mouthful,

the most important Pilgrimage (Catholic) in Belgium,

and where we spent Sunday afternoon with Rik and Marie-Louise. They have lived in or near Scherpenheuvel all their lives.

As you can see, the basilica is the main attraction here.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. On top of the hill a solitary oak tree was visible over a wide area. This tree seems to have been the center of superstitious practices until a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary was affixed to the tree during the 14th century.

Legend has it that in 1514, a shepherd tried to take the statue home. He remained transfixed until the little statue was put back. Since then the shrine gained wider celebrity. In 1602 a little wooden chapel was built. In 1603 a new miracle is reported and the statue is said to have wept bloody tears. It doesn't do that now.

Bizarre? Yeah, but I could probably tell you a few more like . . .

did you hear the one about the man and his concubine wandering the streets?

Okay, I should probably stop right there with that one.

Not the original.

Long story short. Lots more happened on this hilltop. As you can imagine - Middle Ages . . . Now.

In 1605, the present baroque basilica was built with the help of Archduke Albrecht and Archduchess Isabella.

The Basiliek van Scherpenheuvel

Designation as a basilica is pretty detailed, but it basically means a large and important church given special ceremonial rites by the Pope. The. Pope.

The exterior of the structure is currently undergoing some serious restoration. I guess this isn't the first time that's happened in 400 years. Nor the last.

Each year in May, the pilgrimage is opened with a feast and since around 1550, people have come here to pray for health or . . . whatever one might pray for.

As many as a million people visit this basilica annually. That's a lot of pilgrims, pilgrim.

On the first Sunday of May, a group of pilgrims start in Antwerp and walk all the way to Scherpenheuval. That is over 50 km and takes about 11 hours to walk it! I don't think I would look so good after 11 hours of walking - most of it in the rain.

Handmade candles/fundraiser

Interesting . . . you can bring your car here and the priest will bless it. There were cars here the entire time we were here.

Car blessing/fundraiser

Let me thank Becky and Kay for making this happen. And Rik and Marie-Louise for being such nice hosts. This is a really great little town which we would have missed seeing without some connections. And we made two friends whom we hope to visit again :)

A wonderful day!

Enjoying, what else, a Belgian bier.