History
The pilgrimage to Bon-Secours began in the Middle Ages at an old oak tree between two woods. A statue of Mary hangs in the tree. The place is called “Our Lady of the Oak Between Two Woods”. Many pilgrims come here.
In the early 17th century, the tree dies and the statuette disappears. The priest of Péruwelz has a new statuette carved from a thick branch of the tree and replaces the tree with a stone structure. Once again, many pilgrims come to the statue of Mary to pray and give thanks. They also come to invoke the help of Our Lady. The requests for help reach unprecedented levels when the region is struck by a dangerous epidemic. It is a miraculous event when the plague claims no victims in Péruwelz.
In 1637, a chapel is built by local inhabitants at the site of the oak tree, and the image of Mary takes a central position within it. This space is enlarged between 1643 and 1645. Due to the threat from anti-Catholic French soldiers, the statue of Mary is taken to safety and moved to Tournai. This occurs during the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1679) and the turbulent times that follow. In 1713, following the Peace of Utrecht, the war between France and the Netherlands comes to an end, and pilgrimages to the statue in Bon-Secours are resumed. During the French Revolution (1789-1799), the practice of the Catholic faith is once again under pressure. This ceases with the signing of the Concordat of 15 July 1801 between Pius VII, Pope from 1800-1823, and the French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821).
In the second half of the 19th century, visitor numbers steadily increased. The chapel, dating from 1645, required renovation and expansion. The hamlet where the chapel stood grew larger, with shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses establishing themselves. The chapel's accessibility also improved. The pilgrimage site flourished more than ever before. The influx of pilgrims necessitated the construction of a larger building. On 1 May 1885, demolition of the chapel began, and the first stone of the church was laid on 2 July of that year.
The later church, which stands on the same site as the former chapel, was designed by the Antwerp architect Franciscus Clementinus (Frans) Baeckelmans (1827-1896). The style is Neo-Gothic and the construction period lasted from 1885 to 1892. The church was opened to visitors on 8 September 1892. The building was consecrated on 1 October 1895.
In 1905, Pius X, who was Pope from 1903 to 1914, gave permission for the statue of Mary to be crowned. On 10 April 1910, the church was elevated to the status of a basilica, and this honorary title was bestowed by a decree from Pius X.
Pilgrimage site
The basilica is located on a hill and can be seen from afar. This place of pilgrimage displays parts of history within the basilica.
The oak statue of Mary is small and has a central place in the presbytery of the basilica. The statue is carved from oak, is 40 cm high, and dates from around 1642. Our Lady has a somewhat round face, a band around her head, her hair hangs loose over her shoulders, and the infant Jesus is placed on her left arm. With her right hand, Mary holds her Son in a fold of her mantle. Mary is surrounded by angels. People come to this effigy of Mary to pray for relief from their ailments and discomforts. There are also special intentions for newborns. Our Lady is often asked for help in the basilica.
The basilica has 8 chapels, including the Rosary Chapel and the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The basilica features colourful stained-glass windows. Works of art in ceramic by Max Van Der Linden (1922-1999) can also be seen, and after his death, his nephew Stéphane Terlinden (1964) continued his work.
Annually, on the first Sunday of July, the Basilica hosts the patronal feast of Mary of Good Help.
The basilica is open daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
The basilica is located at Place Jean Absil, B 7603 Bon-Secours, bordering the town of Péruwelz, close to the French border, towards Valenciennes.
Current information can be found on www.notredamedebonsecours.be.
The address of the Vereniging Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours is Rue Royale 1, B 7603 Bon-Secours.
Experience
The basilica is visible from a great distance. As I approach the elevated place of worship, I see that part of the building is under scaffolding due to restoration work. The car finds a parking spot in France and then I walk fewer than 100 metres to reach the Belgian basilica.
Upon entering the basilica, the statue of Our Lady in the grand high altar is striking.
The Chapel of the Rosary is very beautiful and is made of white stone. The altar shows Our Lady and Saint Dominic, who is the great proponent of devotion to Mary with the rosary. The altar table from 1898 is made of white marble.
The wooden altarpiece of the Assumption of Mary, dating from 1906, also holds attention for a long time. It was made by Pieter De Roeck (1862-1931) from Antwerp.
In the basilica, ex-votos can also be seen. These bear witness to gratitude to Our Lady. The stained-glass windows are magnificent. Such craftsmanship!
At the end of the tour of the basilica, I see a plaque with the image of “Our Lady of Bon Secours”, turn it over and read the text of a prayer. A few sentences deeply move me: “Our world is torn apart by violence, and the poor are its first victims. Many are governed by the thirst for power and selfish comfort, while entire peoples perish from hunger and misery.”
Environment
The pilgrimage site of Valenciennes is just across the border in France, 20 km from the Basilica of Bon-Secours. The pilgrimage site of Dadizele is 67 km away from Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours. The large city of Brussels is 81 km from Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours. A visit to the cathedral of Tournai is also possible at a short distance, with a mere 23 km to travel.
Posted: 20 September 2023
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