Our Lady of Temse

Temse: Oldest parish of the Waasland. Temse is said to have been Christianized as early as 772 by Saint Amelberga. She remains very popular in Temse, among other things due to the Sint-Amelbergagilde which organizes the Wegom (2) three times a year. Only on Whit Monday are the relics (3) of Saint Amelberga carried in the procession.
The Our Lady Church: Gem of the Scheldt. The current church mainly dates back to the early 16th century after the old Romanesque church was largely destroyed by a fire in 1494. Over the centuries, the church has been remodeled and expanded several times. Inside the church is preserved the gravestone of Saint Amelberga as well as the centuries-old tomb of Roeland Lefèvre, the first lay lord and a great benefactor of Temse.

Market 9140 Temse
Open Church:
June 15 - September 16: Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00 and Sat. and Sun.: 14:00-17:00

Saint Amelberga and the Wegom (2)
Saint Amelberga lived during the 8th century in Flanders. She fled to avoid an unwanted marriage to Charles Martel. She crossed the Scheldt sitting on the back of a sturgeon! As thanks for the protection she received, she established the first church. Due to her mysterious influence over water and animals, she is the patron saint of farmers and sailors. The Sint-Amelbergagilde keeps the ancient pilgrimage in honor of Saint Amelberga, also called the Wegom, alive. The Wegom is said to have existed since the 11th century! The colorful foot procession, enlivened by musicians, is 22 km long and is organized three times a year.

Relic (3)
A relic is a remnant of the body of a saint, such as a small bone or a lock of hair. It can also include pieces of clothing or other items that the saint came into contact with. The veneration of relics is an early Christian practice. It was believed that touching or kissing a relic provided special protection. In the late Middle Ages, a rich trade in relics emerged. This is, of course, prohibited now, but the veneration of them remains popular. They are usually kept in a shrine or artistic holder in the church.

Stichting Open Kerken