Carpe Diem #1752 Pilgrimage of the Relics, Maastricht (The Netherlands)

Dear Haijin, visitors and travelers,

Welcome at a new episode in our "an act of devotion" month in which we are traveling around the world to visit (and walk) pilgrimage routes. This day I have chosen a very special pilgrimage.

As you all know I live in the Netherlands and maybe you know that the Netherlands were once an exclusive Catholic country under the Spanish rulers. So in my conutry, now multi-religious, I have chosen a pilgrimage route I never had heard of ... The Pilgrimage of the Relics (or Maastricht Septennial Pilgrimage). Let me tell you a little bit more about this pilgrimage route.

Basilica of Saint Servatius (Maastricht, The Netherlands)

The Basilica of Saint Servatius is a historical church dedicated to Saint Servatius, an Armenian missionary who died and was buried in Maastricht in 384. The grave of the saint, as well as the many relics in the church treasury made the basilica a popular pilgrimage site. Heiligdomsvaart, is a pilgrimage tradition that occurs once in seven years and which started in the 14th century.

Saint Servatius

The Legend of St. Servatius:

The first stone churches in Maastricht were built after the arrival of Saint Servatius in the fourth century AD. After his death, Maastricht became a popular destination for pilgrims. According to the legend, Saint Servatius was the first bishop of Maastricht and a small chapel was build on the spot where he was buried. In the centuries that followed, this chapel grew into the St. Servatius Church.

The Treasury:

The mortal remains of Servaas are kept in a box, which is on display in the Treasury of Saint Servatius Church.

The Pilgrimage of the Relics goes to the Saint Servatius Basilica and is a pilgrimage that is only done once in the seven years.

This episode is NOW OPEN for your submissions and will remain open until October 2nd at noon (CEST). I will try to publish our new episode later on. For now ... be inspired and have fun!