Although our country is still sparsely populated: sacraments procession in Sint-Denijs-Westrem returns after 87 years

In the heart of Flanders, the small community of Sint-Denijs-Westrem near Ghent has witnessed the remarkable revival of a centuries-old tradition: the Sacramentsprocessie. For the first time since 1937, the solemn procession, featuring the carrying of an authentic silver reliquary, graced the streets on Ascension Day. This event marks a significant moment for a region where such religious processions have been in steady decline for decades, making its return particularly noteworthy.

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It was a whole organization that I have been working on for more than a year.

The procession's re-establishment is deeply intertwined with local history and faith. It commemorates a dramatic event from 1686: the theft of valuable chalices and a silver box containing consecrated hosts from the St. Martin's Church in Kortrijk. Miraculously, the stolen silver box, containing the sacred hosts, was later discovered floating unharmed in a well in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, an event widely regarded as a miracle that led to the construction of a chapel at the discovery site. The original silver box, remarkably preserved after 340 years, remains a cherished centerpiece of the local parish and was proudly displayed during the procession.

Spearheaded by Jan Byttebier, the chairman of the local church board, the initiative to bring back the procession began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Byttebier's dedication, including ringing the chapel bell nightly for three months, revitalized the local chapel and inspired the effort to reinstate the procession. He described the organization as a year-long endeavor, involving the retrieval of original chalices from Kortrijk. The procession thus carries a dual significance: a religious observance and a commemoration of the chapel's origins, linked to the miraculous recovery of sacred artifacts.

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I went to Kortrijk to look for the chalices, and they turned out to still be there.

While the event drew 150 participants, signifying considerable local engagement, the question of whether this revival will translate into a sustained annual tradition remains open. The immense effort involved in organizing such an event suggests that its future continuity will depend on continued community support and commitment. For Sint-Denijs-Westrem, this procession is more than just a historical reenactment; it is a tangible connection to their past, a testament to enduring faith, and a symbol of community resilience in preserving cultural heritage.

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The procession actually has a double meaning: it is a religious matter, but it is also about the origin of the chapel.