Whispers of miracles and devotion surround La Madone ou La Pieta. This sculpture stands as a testament to faith and artistry. Let’s delve into the story of Notre Dame du Bon Succès.
In the 12th century, a small chapel stood here. Pilgrims journeying to Saint Jacques de Compostelle visited it. By the 13th century, a church dedicated to Saint Jacques le Majeur replaced the chapel.
The story of La Madone ou La Pieta takes a turn in 1625. Jacques Meeus a master shoemaker discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary. Meeus was the provost of the Saint Jacques confraternity. This statue quickly became an object of veneration. People believed it had miraculous powers. It became known as Notre-Dame de Bon Secours.
The growing number of worshippers led to a new oratory. It was built in the Baroque style between 1664 and 1694. Jean Cortvrindt, an ebenist and architect, directed the construction. However in 1695, the French bombardment of Brussels severely damaged the church. By 1699, it was repaired. The church has undergone numerous restorations since.
The church’s architecture is unique. It deviates from the 17th-century architectural norms. Instead of the traditional Latin cross, it is based on a circle. This design was inspired by contemporary Italian churches. The choir forms a hexagon. Four pilasters and two pillars define it. The decorations are rich. They showcase perfect taste. Above the main altar in white marble is a wooden statue. This is the statue of Notre-Dame du Bon Secours. It is believed to date back to the 14th century. Side altars are dedicated to Saint Joseph and Saint Jacques le Majeur.
Originally painted white, this statue once adorned the facade. It stood on the Baroque church Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours. The church was located on the Rue Marché au Charbon. In 1910, it was replaced by a stone copy. The sculptor Van den Kerckhove created the copy. The child Jesus holds a spear in his hand. He uses it to kill the serpent. The serpent symbolizes evil. Mary crushes the serpent. An apple emerges from the animal’s mouth. This refers to the original sin committed by Eve.
Notre Dame du Bon Succès has links to Scotland. The statue is believed to have originated in Old Aberdeen. It may have been there as early as 1450. During the Scottish Reformation, Christian art was destroyed. The statue was saved by a Catholic member of Scottish nobility. George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly, hid it at Strathbogie Castle. In 1625, it was smuggled to Dunkirk. William Laing, an agent for the Spanish Habsburgs, sent it. It was then given to Archduke Albert VII and his wife Isabella Clara Eugenia in Brussels.
Copies of the statue, known as Our Lady of Aberdeen, are popular in Scotland. They can be found in St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen. Other copies are in St Peter’s Church in Buckie and Aberdeen.
Standing before La Madone ou La Pieta, remember its journey through centuries. From a small chapel to a symbol of faith, it is a testament to enduring devotion.