Saint-Vincent tour and historical procession

The Tour has been known since 1262. The procession has displayed since 1921 magnificent living scenes as an emotive tribute paid to Saint Vincent Madelgaire. The significance is above all religious. The husband of Waudru of Mons, Madelgaire, who entered into religion under the name of Vincent, brought us in the VIIth century the Light of the Gospel. His virtues earned him to be honoured as a Saint. But the city owes him likewise the origin of its urban fabric. Indeed, it expanded around the abbey founded by Vincent. Whit Monday is thus also a powerful moment during which a community celebrates its roots and the links which make it live with the same heart. The Sonegians vow a filial worship to the patron Saint of their city. After the primitive abbey came the imposing Roman collegiate church which now overlooks the town. This morning, at 6 o'clock, the great shrine was taken down from its upper chapel, to the altar. The pilgrims set out with the Holy relic, for a 11 kilometres long walk around the city. The circular feature of this walk earns it to be known under the name "Tour". Eighteen votive chapels line up the route. Four hours long, feet and shoulders have not less prayed than the voices and hearts. On the "Marais Tillériaux" (chaussée de Braine), a priest has pronounced the panegyric of Saint Vincent. At the end of the Tour, an official ceremony gathered close to the Cense del Baille, on top the "Chaussée d'Enghien", the Civil Authorities, the clergy and representatives of the Saint Vincent's brotherhood as well as the Procession committee. The historical procession will now pave a triumphal way to the Holy relics...