Saturday 15 August 2026 – Feast of the Assumption

 

A joyful feast of Mary in the heart of summer!

 

On August 15, the Christian people celebrates joyfully.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is welcomed into heaven, body and soul. “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad!!”

 

A journalist asked me, “But not everyone’s heart is glad and filled with joy. What do you have to say to these people?” Mary’s eight visits to Banneux, and her apparitions in other places, tell us something essential. Mary regularly leaves heaven and comes back to our earth—especially during the difficult moments of our lives and our history. She does not confine herself to the happiness of heaven. She is joining us and wants to be at our side. The new name she gave herself at Banneux — “I am the Virgin of the Poor!” — touches our hearts and is a source of true consolation. And she keeps her promise: “I come to relieve suffering.”

 

Isn’t that an excellent reason to gather at her shrine and to rejoice in Mary’s faithful motherly presence among us?

                                                                                                                                                                                               Leo Palm, Rector

 

 

This year, due to the weather conditions, a police order prohibits the use of barbecues or any other cooking equipment on the Marian site and within a wide surrounding area.

 

Program of the 15 August

 

Friday from 8pm to 10 pm : Adoration.

8:30              Mass in French

10:30        International Mass with bishop Jean-Pierre Delville from Liege and the African choir Kristu Bolingo

11:15              Mass in French

15:00        Benediction of the Sick.  (international)

16:00            Mass in French.

20H00      Candlelight procession. (international)

 

Around fifteen other Catholic services, following different rites or in different languages, will take place throughout the day.