Saint Géry church of Braine-le-Comte

The Saint Géry church of Braine-le-Comte, known locally as Sint-Gorikskerk, stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry and architectural splendor of this charming Belgian town. Dedicated to Saint Géry, the bishop of Cambrai from 555 to 624, this church is not only the most important religious edifice in Braine-le-Comte but also a beacon of the town’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The Historical Tapestry of Saint Géry Church

Perched on an elevated plateau, the origins of the Saint Géry church are shrouded in legend. It is believed that the original oratory, long since vanished, was established by Saint Géry himself. Historical records, however, confirm the church's existence from the 12th to 13th centuries. From this medieval period, only the foundations have survived, particularly the lower parts made of schist along the side aisles.

The church's strategic location was once part of the Sainte-Waudru chapter of Mons. Opposite the church, Count Baldwin IV constructed a keep and a fortified enclosure that included the church and the town. Traces of this fortification still remain around the church, including the base of the walls and remnants of a turret.

As the population grew, the need for a larger church became apparent. The most significant expansion took place in the 16th century, financed by the then parish priest, Georges Descrolieres, with the support of parishioners and magistrates. These transformations, which began in 1512, continued until 1524, but the final touch, a grand spire crowning the tower, was only completed a century later. Unfortunately, this spire was destroyed by lightning on Pentecost, June 7, 1677, leading to frequent repairs throughout the 18th century.

Despite the turbulent times of the revolutionary period, the church emerged relatively unscathed and was reopened for Catholic worship in 1802 following the Concordat. Extensive restorations in the latter half of the 19th century helped preserve and enhance the monument, including the installation of new stained glass windows in the choir, the placement of a cross above the rood screen, and the addition of an organ in the entrance tower.

Architectural Marvels of Saint Géry Church

The current structure of the Saint Géry church is a Romano-Gothic hall church dating back to the 13th century but extensively modified during the 16th century. Significant additions from 1512 include the entrance tower at the western end, the current choir, and the side chapels.

The church features three naves of equal height, each with four bays, flanked by rectangular chapels of varying sizes. Sixteen columns made of Soignies blue limestone support the three vaults that replaced the original ceiling in the early 18th century. The entrance is marked by a massive 40-meter-high square tower, flanked by four octagonal turrets at the corners. This tower replaced the original Romanesque bell tower, of which only the base remains, now converted into a chapel. Sacristies are built at the angles of the transept and the choir, the latter rising higher than the church nave and illuminated by six windows adorned with mullions dividing the glass into three compartments, reinforced by exterior buttresses.

The entrance portal features a lintel adorned with a bas-relief depicting Christ armed with his cross, vanquishing a monster, and extending his right hand towards two figures. This scene could either represent Christ reaching out to Adam and Eve or the descent of Christ into limbo to redeem the first just souls with his blood.

Within the tower, the only remaining bell from the Ancien Régime is named Maxellende. A second bell, named Prospérine in honor of Prosper-Louis, Duke of Arenberg, was installed in 1819. The original carillon, confiscated by French Revolutionary troops in 1794, was replaced in 1911 thanks to a donation from the then-mayor Félicien Étienne, but was melted down during the German occupation in 1942. The current carillon, consisting of 47 bells, was installed in 1967.

Religious Art and Devotions

As the principal church of Braine-le-Comte, Saint Géry church houses various sculptures and reliquaries reflecting the devotions practiced here. The statue of Our Lady of Braine-le-Comte, dating from 1470, is a Gothic masterpiece by sculptor Jean Borman II, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, who turns the pages of a book she holds.

A colossal statue of Saint Christopher, dating from the 15th century, stands 3.80 meters tall and is crafted from solid oak. It depicts the saint carrying the Christ Child on his shoulders, symbolizing the biblical episode where he helped Christ cross a tumultuous river. The side chapel at the western end of the aisle is dedicated to Saint Christopher, featuring a baroque altar with a painting of the saint.

In the 16th century, a community of Oratorians of Saint Philip Neri preached in the church's choir, adding to its spiritual significance.

The Splendid Furnishings

The rood screen, dating from 1593, consists of three round arches topped by an open gallery. The central bay leads to the sanctuary and is occupied by a double-leaf door. The exterior façade is adorned with seven statues representing theological and cardinal virtues, many inspired by the works of Jacques Du Broeucq for the Sainte-Waudru collegiate church in Mons. The rood screen is made of various colored marbles, with inscriptions on the diamond-shaped cartouches beneath the balustrade indicating the families who contributed to its construction.

The altar, dating from 1577, comprises two parts: the retable on the table and the pyramidal tabernacle above. The retable features two superimposed tiers divided into six compartments depicting scenes from the New Testament. The tabernacle is decorated with statuettes of Gospel figures and topped by a pelican, symbolizing Christ giving his life for humanity.

The baptismal font is located in a small chapel enclosed by a grille. It is made of hewn stone with an octagonal support and reservoir, featuring late 15th-century moldings and vegetal ornamentation.

In conclusion, the Saint Géry church of Braine-le-Comte is not merely a religious building; it is a living chronicle of the town's history, culture, and devotion. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual treasures make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque Belgian town.