On the eve of August 15th, the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, there is a procession in Antwerp on August 14th. The procession with the statue of Mary begins at 6pm by the cathedral. The procession goes via several streets and squares through the historic centre of the 'Scheldestad' (city on the Scheldt).
The procession of the Assumption of Mary has an age-old history, as the first city procession with the image of the Mother of God was held in 1399. This tradition has never been interrupted! From the year 1124, Mary has been the patroness of the city on the Scheldt and she is also the patron saint of the cathedral.
The statue of Mary with Child is only crowned on 14 and 15 August and is extra festively decorated with flowers. This crowned statue is carried, and among those in the procession are representatives of cultural and social institutions, representatives of the government, and Marian organisations. Many clergy also walk along behind the miraculous statue. Along the route, as the statue passes, there is frequent applause from the numerous onlookers. The enthusiasm of the spectators is reminiscent of exuberant Marian processions in Spain.
After an hour, the procession concludes at the cathedral and the heavy statue of Mary is carried back into the church by members of the Chapel of Our Lady of Praise. They are also responsible for organising the procession. Following the procession, there will be a Eucharist celebration in the cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
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