The devotion of the Saints Harlindis and Relindis: processions in Maaseik

The devotion of the Saints Harlindis and Relindis: processions in Maaseik

by Katrien Houbey, Art Historian

The story about Harlindis and Relindis dates back to the end of the seventh and the beginning of the eight century. The first source mentioning their lives probably dates from the second half of the ninth century. The devotion of the two sisters from Aldeneik was first written down in the so called ‘vita’. It mentions that Franco, the bishop of Liège, placed the relics of Harlindis and Relindis behind the alter of Our Lady. From that moment on they have been devoted. However, written sources about their devotion are very rare.

From 1202, the annual procession (‘bankruisprocessie’) through the parish was held during the days of Pentecost. This procession (‘cruces banales’) was some kind of an obliged tax pay system ‘in procession’ of the dependent parishes to a bishop or an abbey.

From the eleventh century, relic expositions took place as well, after the example of Maastricht, Aachen, Susteren and other cities. Later, in the fourteenth century, Aldeneik joined the tradition of the processions being held every seven years in Maastricht. Aldeneik was generally considered as a staging point for pilgrims on their way to Maastricht. 

This tradition remained in use until 1566. The organisation stopped during the Protestant Reformation when Calvinists caused many robberies and restless times in the area. At that time, the canons decided to secure their belongings and moved to Maaseik. 

In the period after 1571 the devotion of Harlindis and Relindis completely disappeared. After the shrine had been opened on 22 March 1595, the seven-annual processions were launched from 1601. This time, the events connected to the processions in Aachen.

The French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century caused new problems. All the belongings of the church were confiscated and every form of devotion was suppressed. Luckily, all of the objects related to the devotion of Harlindis and Relindis were rescued from the French ruler.

The devotion of the two saints did not revive until 1841, when the Codex Eyckensis returned to the Saint-Catherine church. An official opening of the two shrines of Harlindis and Relindis took place in 1867. In 1871, 300 years after the canons had moved from Aldeneik to Maaseik, the time was right to commemorate that movement. The ecclesiastical government decided to organise the festivities every 25 years in honour of this event (‘translatio’).  

On 1 May 1871, the relics were brought in procession to the church of Aldeneik. Under the supervision of Bishop Theodore de Montpellier, the relics were exhibited for 10 days and adored by the faithful. On this occasion, E.H. Emile Schoolmeesters wrote a publication about the lives of Harlindis and Relindis.

The procession as we know it today consists of different groups who depict different scenes taken from the lives of Harlindis and Relindis. It was first performed in 1897. Thirteen groups walked together in the procession on the fifth and the twelfth of September.

The procession of 1922 is the first event that has been well documented. Bernard Claessens made beautiful sketches in colour of all the costumes, worn by all the participants. A complete series of twelve folios of these designs are kept in the archive of the Saint Catherine church. Nine groups of people participated in the procession from Maaseik to Aldeneik and back.

 Drawing procession 1922 (Archive of the Saint-Catherine Church Maaseik)

In 1947 a similar procession was designed by the local artist Pieter Brouns. His historical procession was organised in the streets of Maaseik and Aldeneik on 24 and 31 August. It was the first time that inhabitants from different town districts collaborated to materialize the procession and participate in it. Several choirs added to the atmosphere with live chants. On the market square, people could attend a folk concert and enjoy a stage performance. 

 Cover for the procession of 1947 (Isabelle Brouns)

The 1972 procession was completely different. It was less historical and less religious than the previous editions. The modern twist was given by the local artist Jan Peeters. He focussed on the human being as an individual throughout the centuries as a central theme. The modern approach was also reflected in the fashionable designs and costumes. Jan Peeters had a second chance to design the procession in 1997.  He decided to maintain the modern interpretation of the ancient tradition of the devotion of the two Holy Saints of Aldeneik. 

 Procession 1972 (Documentation center Maaseik)

Procession 1997 (Mathieu Coenen)

Whether this new trend will continue in 2022 remains to be seen. The preparations for this future event have already started.