Dadizele – The relic of Saint Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes has arrived in Dadizele as part of a nationwide pilgrimage across Belgium. The relic, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, will travel through every diocese in the country before concluding its journey in Poperinge at the end of the month. This year marks a special occasion—the 100th anniversary of Bernadette’s beatification by the Catholic Church.
As part of the Marian month, this national tour brings the relic of Saint Bernadette Soubirous—consisting of physical fragments from her remains—to churches across Belgium. The pilgrimage not only honors her sanctity but also allows believers to engage spiritually with her legacy. The relics will be on display in various dioceses throughout May, culminating in a final stop in Poperinge.
“She was a very simple and poor girl, but she still saw perspective in her life and she became a religious person. She herself had many health problems, but despite those problems, she had a big heart for sick and injured people. She has become a concept and a model in Lourdes,” one devotee shared. “We come to Dadizele every May, it is an annual tradition. Sometimes we even come twice. The fact that the relic is here now makes it extra special.”
Who Was Bernadette Soubirous, and Why Is Her Relic Touring Belgium?
Born in 1844 in Lourdes, France, Bernadette Soubirous is renowned for her visions of the Virgin Mary, which occurred 18 times in 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle. In one of these Marian apparitions, the Virgin revealed herself as “the Immaculate Conception” and instructed Bernadette to have a chapel built on the site. Although initially dismissed, Bernadette’s accounts gained credibility over time, turning Lourdes into one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world, famed for its healing waters and deep spiritual significance.
Following her visions, Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers, where she lived a humble life of service and prayer until her death in 1879 at the age of 35. In 1933, Pope Pius XI canonized her as a saint in recognition of her devout faith and the impact of her Marian revelations.
In Catholic tradition, relics such as those of Saint Bernadette create a tangible spiritual connection for the faithful. By touring her relics, the Church enables people who cannot visit Lourdes to experience a deepened sense of faith and unity through her story. These pilgrimages often include prayer services, reflections, and communal gatherings, offering opportunities for healing, inspiration, and recommitment to spiritual paths.
The relics, which have previously toured the United Kingdom and Ireland, have drawn large crowds and served as focal points for religious gatherings. They are seen not just as historical artifacts but as sacred links to the miraculous events of Lourdes and Bernadette’s enduring legacy.
For Belgian pilgrims and residents, the arrival of Saint Bernadette’s relic presents a unique moment to reflect on her enduring message of hope, humility, and service. As the relic continues its journey, it serves as a moving reminder of the power of faith and the enduring influence of a young girl from Lourdes who changed the spiritual lives of millions.
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. Eurotoday delivers independent and original reporting on European and international affairs, focusing on EU policies, Member States, and global events from a European perspective.
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