In northern Belgium lies the town of Baarle-Hertog. On the Sunday after August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the Kaarskensprocessie (Candle Procession) takes place every year. This is organised by the Stichting de Vrienden van Lourdes (Association of Friends of Lourdes).
At 8 o'clock in the evening, there will be a Eucharist service in the Saint Remigius Church. During this service, Mary will be the focus with prayers and songs. After the gathering in the church, those present will emerge with a lit candle, and the Candle Procession will begin. The procession will depict scenes from the life of Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. Important phases of her life will be portrayed, such as experiencing the apparitions, tending sheep, life in the “cachot” (prison), and questioning by clergy. During the procession, flower girls will scatter rose petals, and a particularly beautiful statue of Mary will be carried. Behind this statue will walk clergy and many attendees from Flanders and the Netherlands. Hundreds of candles will illuminate the evening, as houses, cafés, and restaurants will be darkened. During this enchanting procession, prayers and songs will be offered.
Since 1951, the Candle Procession has been held, and over the years it has grown into a well-attended tradition.
