Delft – St. Mary's Procession

Every year, the Ommegang Maria van Jesse is held in Delft. The procession is prompted by a legend, known as the Miracle of Maria van Jesse. The story dates back to 1327… Machteld is a woman from The Hague who has been blind for several years. One night, she has a vision. Machteld hears a voice telling her to go to Delft to pray before the image of Mary. Machteld heeds the voice and travels to Mary in Delft. Upon arrival, Machteld prays before the image of Maria van Jesse, attends the eucharistic celebration, and during the consecration, she regains her sight. A miracle has occurred! Out of gratitude to Our Lady, an annual procession is held in honour of Maria van Jesse. The name Jesse refers to the ancestor of the lineage of David, to which Mary belongs.

The Reformation put an end to the annual procession of thanksgiving that dated back to the Middle Ages. During the Iconoclastic Fury in 1572, the statue of Mary was lost. It wasn't until 1929 that the tribute was restored. The initiators were members of the student association Sanctus Virgilius from Delft. Since 1929, the procession has taken place annually on the Sunday after the feast day of Saint Odulphus (c. 775-854) on June 12th. In 1939, the Guild, which already existed before 1347 but was dissolved by the Reformation, was re-established to co-organise the procession of thanksgiving.

From 1939, the effigy of Mary of Jesse has been in the church. It is an antique statue that bears a strong resemblance to the original effigy. This creation receives the name Mary of Jesse.

The Sunday procession, held in mid-June, begins with a solemn gathering in the Sint-Hippolytus Chapel on the Oude Delft. The procession then proceeds through the city centre to arrive at the Church of Maria of Jesse on the Burgwal. A Eucharist service takes place there and the statue of Maria of Jesse stands on the choir.

Members of the Guild of Our Lady of Jesse and the student association will take part in the annual procession. In addition, representatives from organisations for Marian processions and parades will participate. Many interested parties from Delft and further afield will also join the procession and attend the church service.

The Delft procession is a silent, meditative journey. The organisation is the responsibility of the Guild of Our Lady of Jesse, in collaboration with the student association.