Nazareth – Mariale Ommegang

In the Flemish town of Nazareth, every year on September 8, the feast day of the Nativity of Mary, the Marija Ommegang takes place through many streets of the town.

The tradition began in 1906 and attracts many visitors from the place, the region and far beyond. It is very characteristic that the annual procession is held on September 8th, because Mary was born in Nazareth. Her birthplace is in that basilica in Italian Loreto and the church in Nazareth has a façade, with front and tower, that is very similar to that of the great pilgrimage site in eastern Italy.

The Mariale Ommegang begins and ends in the particularly beautiful and picturesque church of Our Lady of the Nativity and St. Anthony Abbot. At 2:30 p.m., the procession begins and then travels through many streets of Nazareth. At the center of the ommegang is the Mariabeeld, carried by bearers in well-groomed, appropriate clothing. Hundreds accompany the miraculous image along the way. Along the way, the procession passes by chapels of the “mysteries of the Rosary”.

When the Mariale Ommegang takes place, the rosary is prayed in the church by the faithful who see the ommegang begin and end.

Upon returning to the church, a solemn gathering takes place with the statue of Our Lady of Nazareth and the many participants. Prayers are offered, the Holy Sacrament is placed on the altar table, and songs are sung. The songs are Our Lady of Nazareth, Tantum Ergo, and Love Gave You a Thousand Names.

Attending the Mariale Ommegang is a rich experience in a serene atmosphere of devotion to Our Lady and special attention to the birth day of Mary. It is an enrichment of the Catholic culture.

More information can be found by visiting www.mariale-ommegang-nazareth.be.

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