Whit Monday is the "big day" for Soignies, highlighted by the "Tour Saint-Vincent" and its historical procession. (Courtesy photo)

Soignies honors its founder

Chièvre, Belgium -- Whit Monday is the "big day" for Soignies, highlighted by the "Tour Saint-Vincent" and its historical procession. The age-old Tour Saint-Vincent dates back to 1262. The historical procession has displayed living scenes honoring St. Vincent Madelgaire since 1921.

Saint-Vincent is considered the founder of Soignies and was also the husband of Waudru of Mons. Madelgaire entered into religious life under the name of Vincent, and his virtues earned him to be honored as a saint.

Whit Monday is also a powerful moment during which a community celebrates its roots. At 6 a.m., the great shrine is taken down from its upper chapel, to the altar. The pilgrims set out with the holy relic, for an 11-kilometer long walk around the city. Eighteen votive chapels line up the route. On the "Marais Tillériaux" (on Chaussée de Braine), a priest pronounces the panegyric of St. Vincent -- which sings his praises, so to speak.

At the end of the Tour, an official ceremony gathers close to the Cense del Baille, on top of the "Chaussée d'Enghien," the local authorities, the clergy and representatives of St. Vincent's brotherhood as well as the procession committee.

At 11 a.m., the procession opens up a triumphal way to the holy relics.
Two days before Whit Monday, on Saturday, there will be two concerts: Zappeurs Palace will perform at 7:30 p.m., and the cover band Mister Cover will perform at 8 p.m. No entrance fee.

Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs