Places of pilgrimage in Belgium - Zutendaal

History

IMG 6628 scaled e1661174744361 — Church in Zutendaal

The area around Zutendaal has been inhabited since around 5,000 BC.

In the 7th century, the inhabitants of Zutendaal and its surroundings converted to Christianity. This was achieved by Saint Landrada (c. 620-690) and his followers from the convent at Munsterbilzen. The rulers of the County of Loon, to which Zutendaal belonged, appointed priests for the faithful. From 1304, this was done by the abbot of the Abbey of Averbode. The Norbertines of Averbode served the parish of Zutendaal until 1831.

The first church in Zutendaal was built a long time ago, in the 11th century. A legend tells that Mary designated the site for the church. Another church was built in the 14th century, thanks to the fathers from Averbode. This church therefore has centuries-old foundations. Of the current church, the nave and tower date from the 14th century.

IMG 6642 scaled e1661176119932 — Shrine figure after the procession in Zutendaal

In 1361, the County of Loon, which included Zutendaal, was annexed by the Principality of Liège. During these centuries, Zutendaal was known, among other names, as “Zutenbroeck”. In the 15th century, the place received a new name, namely “Sutendael”, which later became Zutendaal. This is the current name and means “sweet valley”.

The statue of Our Lady in Zutendaal dates from the 16th century and is made of polychromed oak. Our Lady is depicted with the infant Jesus on her left arm and a bunch of grapes in her right hand. This bunch of grapes is a symbol of abundance. Through this richness, Mary shows that her Child is full of life and grace.

Pilgrimages and processions to Zutendaal are reported in 1537. A serious crime occurred in 1598 when bands of marauders caused the church to burn down completely. In the 17th century, pilgrimages increased, as evidenced by a pilgrimage banner from 1669. During that period, miraculous healings through the intercession of Mary are reported.

The pilgrimages and processions end abruptly due to the French Revolution (1789-1799), prohibiting the public declaration of faith. Public life is then entirely withdrawn from the clergy. It is not until 1888 that pilgrimages to Zutendaal resume.

the high altar in the church at Zutendaal

The Brotherhood of Our Lady of Zutendaal was founded on 10 March 1893. This organisation aims, among other things, to place its members under Mary's special protection, to encourage them to live by Mary's example, and to promote worship of Mary.

In the years 1896-1897, the church was restored and enlarged. On 24 December 1900, the church was consecrated by Victor-Joseph Doutreloux (1837-1901), Bishop of Liège (1875-1901). The church is dedicated to “The Assumption of Mary”.

In 1935, the church was classified as a monument.

Until 1965, the church was surrounded by the churchyard. Now, old gravestones are still visible around the church.

On 25 March 1987, the Feast of the Annunciation, Joseph-Maria Heuschen (1915–2002), the first Bishop of Hasselt (1967–1989), declared “Our Lady, Health of the Sick” to be the patron saint of medicine, and specifically of surgery, as well as of the seriously ill who are facing major surgery and their loved ones who care for them.

Pilgrimage site

IMG 6643 scaled e1661175346993 — mural above the nave in the church at Zutendaal

Zutendaal is an internationally renowned pilgrimage site of Our Lady, Health of the Sick. With its abundant natural beauty, Zutendaal and its surroundings are beloved by many visitors.

The devotional image holds a central place in the church, which stands in the middle of the village. Mary holds Jesus in her left arm, who has an open book in his hands. In her right hand, she holds a bunch of grapes. In the beautiful building hangs a striking painting by Gaspar de Crayer (1584-1669), namely “The Assumption of Mary”. The stained-glass windows were made by Auguste Stalins (1839-1906) and Alfons Janssens (1836-1915) from Antwerp. The colourful depictions show the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, the birth of Jesus and the Assumption of Our Lady. Above the nave are 19th-century murals, with scenes relating to Marian devotion.

IMG 6651 scaled e1661175808814 — stained-glass window in the church at Zutendaal depicting the Assumption of Mary

Some old gravestones from the former churchyard can still be seen around the church.

IMG 6649 scaled e1661175652837 — Stained glass window depicting the Annunciation to Mary in the church in Zutendaal

Only a few times a year does the statue of Mary leave the church. This happens on 15 August for the procession after the eucharistic service and at the beginning and end of May.

The first day of May is dedicated to the Great Sick Day and the pilgrimage site is busy then. This also applies to August 15th with a celebration and procession.

Besides the church, the Maria Park is worth a visit.

The Chapel of Our Lady in Mariapark, Zutendaal, depicting the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary

IMG 6627 scaled e1661174813157 — to Maria Park in Zutendaal

ACCESSIBILITY

Zutendaal is located in the northeast of Belgium, in the middle of the province of Limburg and a few kilometres east of Genk. The Church of Our Lady is located at Dorpsstraat, 3690 Zutendaal.

For more information, please use the email address “3823@kerknet.be”.

Experience

IMG 6626 scaled e1661174893548 — Welcome to Zutendaal, Assumption of Mary on 15th August

On 15 August, I’ll be in Zutendaal and will head to Mariapark, as that’s where the Eucharistic celebration begins at 9.30 am. By the time Mass starts, nearly all 600 seats are taken. During the service in the park, people sit and stand in the shade of tall trees. The hymn to Our Lady of Zutendaal is also sung. The chorus is sung along by everyone present and goes:
“Who loves hair, loves it back,",
grants Her sweetest Mother's blessing
to everyone in Zutendaal
to everyone in Zutendaal.”

Statue of Mary in the procession in Zutendaal

After the celebration, the procession begins. Banners, flags, the Blessed Sacrament, a statue of grace, and several hundred believers join in the procession, walking and singing through a few streets of the village. Along the route, I notice that residents have placed a statue of Mary in front of their windows, in their gardens, or by their front doors. The procession ends in front of the church, where a short, concluding ceremony takes place. Afterwards, there's a drink for everyone. I then go into the church and enter the chapel of the old statue of Mary. Here, I light a few candles, and my thoughts turn to good friends.

IMG 6629 scaled e1661175937799 — Statue of Mary along the route of the procession in Zutendaal

IMG 6637 1 scaled e1661175873441 — Statue of Mary along the route of the procession in Zutendaal

In the church, I admire the oak statue of “Our Lady, Health of the Sick”. I am told that, since its restoration in 1900, the statue has been displayed alternately dressed and in polychrome oak, which reveals its original form.

IMG 6655 scaled e1661176193472 — Old Mary statue in the Mary chapel in Zutendaal

The painting by Gaspar de Crayer depicts the Ascension of Mary, while gazing apostles witness it, and now I too , in silence full of admiration …

IMG 6652 scaled e1661175260884 — Painting by Gaspar de Crayer in the church in Zutendaal

To finish off, I take another look around the church and spot a small picture with a lovely inscription. It begins with the words:
“Our Lady of Zutendaal, Health of the Sick.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Son of God and Mother of all people, for centuries you have been venerated here as “Health of the Sick.” All of history teaches us that “all generations will call you blessed for the wonderful things God has done for you.”

A visit to Zutendaal is a blessing.