The Shrines of Beauraing

From November 29, 1932, to January 3, 1933, five children from Beauraing witnessed the appearances of the Virgin Mary 33 times. The site of the appearances has become a shrine and a pilgrimage site. The cult was approved in 1943, and the supernatural nature of the events was recognized in 1949. The reception point is the last structure built to guide pilgrims and tourists. It is a modern arcade leading to an office where information about the site can be obtained. A film about the events can be watched here.

After the appearances of the Virgin Mary, Beauraing gradually became an international pilgrimage site, and the reception and catering facilities were developed.

The shrines themselves are built around the garden where the appearances took place, and the various chapels and churches contribute to the significance of the site.

When you are in the square, you will see the votive chapel, entirely made of stone and filled with symbols related to the events: number of windows, openings,… This chapel was built in 1947 by architect Claes of Beauraing.

The main building remains the former school of the sisters, which has now become the shelter (lodging and refuge) for pilgrims and the sick. This building bears a plaque commemorating the vision of five children during the winter of 1932-1933.

At the rear of the grounds stands the basilica, which was assigned to the church in 2013. The concrete building was designed by architect Bastin. The lower floor remains the rosary church, and the upper floor, accessible via a slope, is the basilica, which is used for large gatherings such as the pilgrimage on August 15.

In the Garden of the Appearances, under the altar, lies the crypt of Saint John, which contains a ceramic Stations of the Cross by the artist Max Van der Linden (made in 1965).

The hawthorn itself is the enclosure built around the place where the children saw the Virgin; today, a statue (the work of Mr. Pierroux of Beauraing), a bed of candles, and flowers maintain the place as the center of remembrance for all visitors.

Bonus: A souvenir shop “Pro Maria” also houses a small museum with more than 800 images of the Virgin from all countries and made of all materials. It allows one to visualize the importance of the marian cult in the world. Some pieces are very rare.

For more information about Beauraing shrines: the website of the Beauraing shrines

Eddy&Rita