History
In the centre of Renkum in Gelderland stands the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is a neo-Gothic, three-aisled church, designed by architect Joseph Cuypers (1861-1949). The church was built in 1922, and a year later the house of worship was consecrated and put into use. Within this building is the statue of Mary of Renkum. This depiction is located on the altar of the western aisle. The statue is made of oak and is polychromed. The height of the statue of Mary is 63 centimetres. Our Lady is seated on a bench, wearing a gold-coloured crown and a white headscarf. The young Jesus is holding this cloth.
The statue of Mary has an ancient history stretching back to the year 1380. The wooden statue of Mary of Renkum stood in a chapel near Renkum at that time. Our Lady holds the Child Jesus in her arms. The effigy is known as “Our Lady of the Chapels”.
In 1401, the French king Charles VI (1368-1422) gave William I (1364-1402), Duke of Guelders and Jülich, two relics as thanks for a political agreement: a splinter from the cross of Jesus and a thorn from the crown of thorns of Jesus. From that year on, the village of Renkum became a pilgrimage site.
The miraculous image enjoys great renown, mainly due to the miracles that have occurred here. Many pilgrims visit the image of Mary. A well-known visitor is Mary of Guelders (1380-1429), Duchess of Guelders. In 1406, she is the first pilgrim of note to pray at the effigy of Mary of Renkum. Mary of Guelders was born in France as Marie d’Hacourt and was a niece of the French King Charles VI (1368-1422). Marie married the Duke of Guelders, Reginald/Rainald IV of Guelders (1365-1423). He had the chapel in which the miraculous image of Mary stood demolished and moved it to a new monastery in the village of Reyncom, which later took the name Renkum. Mary of Guelders visited Renkum several times; after 1406, these visits were in 1407, 1409, and 1418. She was very devout and performed many charitable works. This was particularly inspired by her devotion to Our Lady. In 1415, the Duchess commissioned a prayer book, which has become a masterpiece of the 15th century. After the death of her husband, Rainald IV, Mary of Renkum was banished from the Duchy of Guelders. The noblewoman went to Jülich, where she owned a piece of land. She remarried the 20-year-younger Rupert von Jülich-Berg (c.1400-c.1431).
“Punishment pilgrimages” were also held in Renkum. Pilgrims were sent here as punishment for a crime committed.
Renkum has been a Catholic place for many centuries, as there was already a chapel there in the 9th century. Another chapel was built in 1183. In 1405, a convent for Augustinian nuns was built next to the chapel to receive the many pilgrims. During the Reformation, the convent was destroyed, and in 1710 it was demolished. However, the statue of Mary was safely moved in time by the nuns. The statue stayed in places such as Arnhem and Utrecht for approximately 350 years. In 1928, the statue returned to Renkum and was placed in the Catholic church. During the Second World War, the statue of Mary was temporarily hidden in Ede from the occupying forces. The statue of Mary has been placed on the national heritage list.
In 1925, a procession park was built behind the church. Over the years, the park fell into disrepair. In 2012, a new pilgrimage park was realised, named “Rosarium Mariae”.
In 2020, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was voted the most welcoming church in East Netherlands.
The church, which is a municipal monument, is threatened with closure. The Maria van Renkum Foundation is trying to save the church.
Pilgrimage site
In a chapel of the Church of Our Lady's Assumption stands the much-venerated statue of Mary, which has borne witness to many centuries of history. A tour of the church reveals many special features. Visiting this house of worship is highly recommended!
The Rosarium Mariae offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the splendour of the park.
The church is a municipal monument and a national heritage site.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is located at Utrechtseweg 153, 6871 DP Renkum.
Aktual Information is available on www.mariavanrenkum.nl.
Experience
When I enter the church, I immediately go to the front to greet the renowned statue of Mary up close. This is the statue of Mary with a long history. It has been in a chapel as early as 1380. This is the moment to be with Mary in my thoughts. I get images of several centuries of Reformation, that the effigy was brought to safety in a few places. Fortunately, the statue of Mary has returned to Renkum. I understand that this happened in 1928. Now it has a prominent place in this church. The miraculous image is made of wood and has a refined appearance. This is why Mary has a great attraction for me.
There is more to see in the church than the statue of Mary, such as statues, paintings and the special architectural style. The church is a jewel in the region.
To conclude, I'm taking a walk in the Rosarium Mariae. What a beautiful Mary park this is!
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