Westerlo

Geel is still known for its veneration of Saint Dymfna against mental illness. The cause of this veneration obviously has a legendary background.

It was here in Geel that the Irish King's daughter Dymfna died in the 7th century. When the incredibly beautiful wife of the Irish King, who was known to be a brute, died, he sought a new bride with similar beauty. When he could not find anyone, he forced his daughter to take the place of his wife. Driven to incest, Dymfna fled to the mainland, via Westerlo to Geel. However, they were later discovered by the king's henchmen. The king himself came to Geel, but his daughter refused his advances, upon which she was beheaded by her own father. It was assumed that such an act could only happen by mentally ill individuals, and hence Dymfna became the patron saint of the mentally ill.

At the place where she was beheaded, the Saint Martin's chapel was established, which is now the Saint Dymfna church. The small church was soon overwhelmed after a number of miraculous healings. The inhabitants of Geel often offered shelter to pilgrims, and this would be the cause of the still existing home care for the weak-minded. An activity that is unique in Europe.

Dromos