Zutendaal – Our Lady, Health of the Sick

On August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, there will be a procession in Zutendaal, Limburg.

Prior to the procession, there will be a well-attended Eucharist service in the Maria Park at 9:30 AM. Over 600 chairs will be available to accommodate visitors. During the service, Marian hymns will be sung, and the contemplation will also focus on Our Lady, who is venerated here under the name “Health of the Sick”.

The procession begins at Maria Park at 10:45 AM and proceeds through several streets of the village. The procession includes banner bearers with an image of Mary and the text of Our Lady of Zutendaal, many blue and white flags carried by young people, clergy responsible for the Holy Sacrament, and the statue of Our Lady is carried by strong-shouldered individuals. Along the route, residents have placed a statue of Mary visible in their windows or by their homes.

En route, a stop is made at, among other places, Woonzorgcampus Oosterzonne, where the local brass band, with as many as 20 musicians, performs a few Marian hymns.

The circuit of about three-quarters of an hour ends at the church. A short ceremony still takes place here, and the Italian priest, who speaks Dutch very well, thanks all participants and helpers for the celebration and the procession. Many children release blue and white balloons, and afterwards, there is a convivial get-together in the church square.