Virga Jesse Basilica

In the heart of Hasselt, Belgium, stands a beacon of spiritual and historical significance: the Virga Jesse Basilica, known locally as the Virga Jessebasiliek. This minor basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has been a focal point of Marian devotion and pilgrimage for centuries. Constructed in 1727 on the site of an ancient chapel, the Virga Jesse Basilica's rich history, architectural beauty, and religious importance make it a must-visit destination for travelers and pilgrims alike.

The History of the Virga Jesse Basilica

The roots of Marian devotion in Hasselt trace back to the 13th century. A document from 1308 mentions a brotherhood dedicated to Our Lady, and by 1334, a wealthy member of this brotherhood had constructed a chapel in her honor. Consecrated by the Bishop of Liège in 1357, the chapel's location on a bustling trade route between Bruges and Cologne facilitated the growth of pilgrimages. The ecclesiastical authorities granted indulgences, and rumors of miraculous healings began to spread, attracting even more pilgrims.

The 15th century saw the establishment of annual Marian processions in Hasselt, held one week after the Feast of the Assumption to commemorate the chapel's consecration. However, the religious wars of the late 16th century interrupted these pilgrimages. It wasn't until 1645 that the sanctuary began to regain its former glory. Pope Alexander VII granted indulgences, and the pilgrims returned in droves. It was during this period that the statue of Our Lady received the name Virga Jesse, meaning Branch of Jesse.

In 1727, a new Renaissance-style church with a single nave was constructed on the site of the original chapel, completed in 1731. The French Revolution once again disrupted the pilgrimages, but the statue of Virga Jesse was hidden by a member of the brotherhood and re-emerged five years later, reigniting the pilgrimages and processions.

From 1846 to 1899, the pastoral care of the church and its pilgrims was entrusted to the Franciscan fathers, including the Blessed Valentin Paquay. On August 15, 1867, the Feast of the Assumption, Monsignor Xavier de Merode, a special envoy, crowned the statue on behalf of Pope Pius IX. Despite being heavily damaged by a German V-1 flying bomb in November 1944, the statue of Virga Jesse survived almost unscathed. The church was rebuilt and reopened for worship in 1951.

On May 6, 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to the status of a minor basilica, recognizing its importance as a center of Marian pilgrimage.

Exploring the Virga Jesse Basilica

The Virga Jesse Basilica is a treasure trove of religious art and history. The statue of Virga Jesse, carved from a single block of oak, stands about one meter tall. The crowned Virgin Mary holds the Infant Jesus on her left arm, and the statue's posture and facial expression suggest it dates back to the early 14th century. Miraculously, it survived both the iconoclastic fury and the 1944 bombing.

The basilica's main altar, a masterpiece by the Baroque sculptor Jean Del Cour, originally came from the Abbey of Herkenrode. The church also houses two funerary monuments from the same abbey, located in the transept. One monument commemorates Anne Catherine de Lamboy (1609-1675), abbess of Herkenrode, and was crafted by the sculptor Artus Quellinus the Younger. The other honors Barbara de Rivière d’Arschot (1666-1744), another abbess of Herkenrode, and is the work of the Ghent sculptor Laurent Delvaux.

The confessionals, created by the sculptor Janssens from Sint-Truiden, date from 1858-1867. One confessional bears a copper plaque noting that the Blessed Valentin Paquay heard confessions there during his residence in Hasselt. The basilica's organ, built by Arnold Clerinx, has been in place since 1952. Originally constructed in 1860, it was previously located in the Saint Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp and was restored in 2003.

The stained glass windows of the basilica are another highlight, with one depicting the Tree of Jesse, a traditional Christian symbol representing the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

The Pilgrimage Tradition

The Virga Jesse Basilica continues to be a vibrant center of Marian devotion. Every seven years, the city of Hasselt hosts the Virga Jessefeesten, a grand celebration that includes processions, religious services, and various cultural events. Pilgrims from all over the world come to participate in these festivities, seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary and experiencing the deep spiritual heritage of this revered site.

In conclusion, the Virga Jesse Basilica is not just a place of worship; it is a living testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition. Its walls echo with centuries of prayer, and its art and architecture stand as monuments to the devotion of countless generations. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual solace or a traveler eager to explore Belgium's rich cultural heritage, the Virga Jesse Basilica in Hasselt is a destination that promises both inspiration and awe.