Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre

Nestled in the picturesque town of Wavre in Belgium, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre, also known by its local name Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Basse-Wavre, stands as a beacon of spiritual significance and architectural beauty. This 16th-century Catholic basilica, declared a minor basilica in 1999 by Pope John Paul II, is not only a place of worship but also a cherished pilgrimage site dedicated to Notre-Dame de Paix et de Concorde (Our Lady of Peace and Concord).

A Legendary Beginning

The origins of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre are steeped in legend. According to tales from the mid-11th century, local peasants were drawn to the marshes of Basse-Wavre by the sound of celestial music on the nights preceding certain Marian feasts. They witnessed angels surrounded by a divine light, which led them to believe that the Virgin Mary had chosen this valley as her dwelling place. Despite initial attempts to build a chapel on a nearby hill, the walls mysteriously relocated to the marshes each night. Accepting this miraculous sign, the villagers constructed the chapel in the valley, where they discovered an extraordinarily beautiful shrine, believed to have descended from heaven.

The Evolution of the Basilica

The initial Romanesque sanctuary, one of the oldest in the country, was built using large stones typical of the 11th and 12th centuries. This structure still exists today, located to the left of the choir in the current basilica. The site gained further prominence when Count Henry III of Louvain and his brother Godfrey I established a new lordship in Wavre and donated the land to the young Abbey of Affligem, leading to the establishment of a small Benedictine priory around the original chapel.

Over the centuries, the basilica underwent several transformations. In the 16th century, a Gothic choir was added, followed by the construction of three Baroque naves in the 17th century. The left nave, built in 1659, extended from the 11th-century chapel, while the central and right naves were completed in 1710. The basilica’s striking brick and blue stone tower, topped with a bulbous spire, also dates back to 1710. The façade, a blend of Baroque and original elements, features a distinctive ferruginous sandstone screen.

Rich Heritage and Artistic Treasures

The interior of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre is a treasure trove of historical and artistic artifacts. The church houses confessionals and choir stalls from the latter half of the 18th century, as well as Louis XV-style wood paneling and communion benches. Two significant paintings adorn the choir: “The Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine” (1650) from the school of Rubens and “The Adoration of the Magi” (1760) by Maximilien de Haese.

One of the basilica’s most prized possessions is the 1628 shrine, a magnificent piece of gilt copper and silverwork adorned with 14 oval medallions depicting the sanctuary’s origins and early miracles. This shrine, crowned like the Virgin Mary, contains relics of over forty saints and martyrs, added over the years.

The Statue of the Virgin Mary

The current statue of Our Lady, a baroque masterpiece sculpted from oak by Luc Fayd’herbe, a pupil of Rubens, in 1640, is another highlight. This 1.6-meter-tall, 150-kilogram statue was originally painted white to resemble marble. In 1897, Pope Leo XIII granted Cardinal Goossens the authority to crown the statue, leading to the creation of a stunning gold and vermeil ensemble, including a 24-carat gold crown, a vermeil scepter, and a richly decorated mantle and veil.

Living Traditions and Pilgrimages

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre continues to be a vibrant center of Marian devotion. Each year on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a torchlight procession winds through the basilica and surrounding streets. The shrine, considered a “living shrine,” is periodically opened to receive new relics, with ceremonies presided over by the Abbot of Affligem and the diocesan bishop. These events, held every 25 years since the statue’s coronation in 1897, attract pilgrims from near and far.

One of the most notable traditions is the Grand Tour of Our Lady, a procession held on the Sunday following June 24th, the Feast of St. John the Baptist. This 8.5-kilometer route through Wavre and its countryside includes stops at various chapels and shrines. A unique feature of this procession is the Wastia, a 15-kilogram bread cake adorned with flowers, blessed and carried on a pilgrim’s head.

A Testament to Faith and History

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre is more than just a historical monument; it is a living testament to centuries of faith, miracles, and community. Its walls echo the prayers and stories of countless generations, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Belgium. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking solace or a history enthusiast eager to delve into the past, the basilica offers a profound and enriching experience.