Belgium

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Belgium, also known as Kingdom of Belgium, is a Western European nation, covering approximately 30,528 km² with a population of about 11.6 million as of 2024.[1] Its official languages are Dutch, French, and German, and its economy relies on trade, manufacturing, and services. The Catholic Church, with approximately 6.5 million adherents (56% of the population), is the largest religious group, introduced in the 4th century AD during Roman rule.[2] Catholicism shapes Belgium’s culture through historic cathedrals, festivals, and saints like Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Beauraing.[3]

The Church’s influence is evident in Belgium’s history, from medieval monasticism to modern social programs, with one ecclesiastical province and eight dioceses under the Belgian Episcopal Conference.[4] Sites like the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Beauraing draw pilgrims, though secularization and declining church attendance challenge the Church in Belgium’s secular state.[5] Stored: Belgium

Country: Belgium
Historic: No
Existence: 1830–
Continent: Europe
Region: Western Europe
Historical Region:
Area: 30528 km²
Population: 11600000
Catholic Population: 6500000
Catholic Percentage: 56%
Catholicism Status: Major religion, historically dominant
Official Languages: Dutch, French, German
Capital: Brussels
Catholicism Introduced: 4th century AD
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 1
Dioceses: 8
Patron Saints: Saint Joseph, Saint Michael
Predecessor States: Austrian Netherlands, United Kingdom of the Netherlands
Successor States:


Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium
SaintName SaintBirthPlace
Blessed Edward Poppe Leest, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
Saint Aldegunais of Maubeuge Hainaut, Frankish Empire (now Belgium)
Saint Amalberga Unknown, likely Flanders, Belgium
Saint Damien of Molokai Tremelo, Brabant, Belgium
Saint Guy of Anderlecht Anderlecht, Belgium
Saint John Berchmans Diest, Brabant, Spanish Netherlands (now Belgium)

Death place

Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium
SaintName DeathPlace
Blessed Edward Poppe Moerbeke-Waas, East Flanders, Belgium
Saint Adalbald of Ostrevant Péruwelz, Hainaut, Frankish Kingdom (modern Belgium)
Saint Colette Ghent, Flanders (now Belgium)
Saint Dymphna Gheel, Brabant, Frankish Kingdom (now Belgium)
Saint Guy of Anderlecht Anderlecht, Belgium
Saint Julie Billiart Namur, United Kingdom of the Netherlands (now Belgium)
Saint Thorfinn of Hamar Ter Doest Abbey, Lissewege, Flanders (modern Belgium)

Notable locations

Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium
SaintName NotableAddress1
Blessed Edward Poppe Kerkplein 1, 9240 Zele, Belgium
Saint Amalberga Temse, Flanders, Belgium
Saint Dymphna Gheel, Belgium
Saint Guy of Anderlecht Brussels, Belgium
Saint Robert Bellarmine Leuven, Belgium


Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium
SaintName NotableAddress2
Blessed Edward Poppe Abdijstraat 23, 9230 Wetteren, Belgium
Saint John Berchmans St. John Berchmans Church, Markt 1, 3290 Diest, Belgium
Saint Maurice d'Agaune St. Maurice Church, Halle, Belgium


Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium
SaintName NotableAddress3
Blessed Edward Poppe Moerbekeplein 1, 9240 Moerbeke, Belgium


Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium
SaintName NotableAddress4
Blessed Edward Poppe Blessed Edward Poppe House, Leest, Belgium


Parameter received: Belgium

Belgium

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Belgium.

Geography

Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordered by Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea.[6] Its 30,528 km² features a temperate climate, supporting agriculture and urban centers. Major cities like Brussels (the capital), Antwerp, and Bruges host significant Catholic sites, with pilgrimage routes to Basilica of the Holy Blood and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Beauraing. The flat terrain aids accessibility to these sites, though urban sprawl challenges rural parishes.[7]

History

Belgium’s history includes Roman rule, Frankish dominance, and independence in 1830 after centuries under Spanish, Austrian, and French control.[8] Catholicism, introduced in the 4th century AD, became central under the Frankish Empire, with monasteries shaping medieval culture.[9] The Church faced suppression during the French Revolution but regained influence post-independence. Today, it operates in a secular state, balancing tradition with modern challenges.[10]

Demographics

Belgium’s 11.6 million people include 56% Catholics (6.5 million), 20% non-religious, 9% Muslims, and smaller Christian groups.[11] Ethnic groups are primarily Flemish (58%) and Walloon (31%), with immigrant communities. Catholicism is stronger in rural Flanders and Wallonia, but urban areas like Brussels show declining practice, with only 15% attending Mass regularly.[12]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Belgium comprises one ecclesiastical province, eight dioceses, and over 3,800 parishes, led by the Belgian Episcopal Conference.[13] Leaders like Cardinal Jozef De Kesel of Mechelen-Brussels oversee education, charity, and interfaith initiatives. The Church operates numerous schools and hospitals, maintaining a strong societal role despite secular trends.[14]

Structure

The Church’s single province, Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, aligns with Belgium’s regions.[15]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 4th century AD in Roman Gallia Belgica, with early bishops like Saint Servatius in Tongeren.[16] The Church grew through Frankish support, with monasteries like those in Liège shaping early Christian communities.[17]

Key historical events

The establishment of the Diocese of Liège in the 4th century marked early Church organization.[18] The 1932 apparitions of Our Lady of Beauraing spurred modern devotion.[19] The Church’s role in education expanded post-1830 independence, though the 20th century saw secular challenges.[20]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 56% adherence, is Belgium’s largest religion but operates in a secular state under the 1831 Constitution.[21] The Church retains cultural influence but faces declining attendance due to secularization and urban disengagement.[22]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate feasts like Assumption of Mary and the Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges, a medieval tradition.[23] Pilgrimages to Our Lady of Beauraing strengthen devotion.[24]

Education and charity

The Church runs over 4,000 schools and numerous hospitals, serving millions.[25] Caritas Belgium addresses poverty and migration, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[26]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage shapes Belgium’s art, with Gothic cathedrals like Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) and Basilica of the Holy Blood.[27] Medieval and Renaissance art in churches reflect Catholic themes.[28]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Beauraing attracts thousands annually, linked to 1932 Marian apparitions.[29] The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges draws pilgrims for its relic.[30]

Historical churches

Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp), built in 1521, is a Gothic masterpiece.[31] Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, built in 1559, houses the Ghent Altarpiece.[32]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Beauraing are Belgium’s patrons, celebrated on March 19 and August 15.[33]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Servatius (4th century), Saint Damien of Molokai (canonized 2009), Saint John Berchmans (canonized 1888), and Blessed Marie of the Incarnation (beatified 1980).[34]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces secularization, with only 15% of Catholics attending Mass regularly, and competition from secular ideologies and Islam.[35] Responses include youth programs and ecumenical dialogue.[36]

Social and political influence

The Church influences education, healthcare, and social justice, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[37] It engages in debates on euthanasia and migration but remains neutral in politics due to Belgium’s secular framework.[38]

References

  1. ↑ "Belgium". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belgium/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Belgium". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-belgium/. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belgium". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BE.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic Church Faces Secular Challenges". Vatican News. 2021-03-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-03/belgium-catholic-church-secularism.html. 
  6. ↑ "Belgium". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belgium/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 
  8. ↑ "Belgium". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Belgium. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Belgium". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02394a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/belgium-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "Religion in Belgium". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-belgium/. 
  12. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 
  13. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belgium". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BE.htm. 
  14. ↑ "Catholic Education in Belgium". Catholic News Agency. 2021-03-10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24785/catholic-schools-belgium. 
  15. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belgium". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BE.htm. 
  16. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Belgium". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02394a.htm. 
  17. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/belgium-catholic-church. 
  18. ↑ "Diocese of Liège". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlieg.html. 
  19. ↑ "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Beauraing". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1236.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/belgium-catholic-church. 
  21. ↑ "Religion in Belgium". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-belgium/. 
  22. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic Church Faces Secular Challenges". Vatican News. 2021-03-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-03/belgium-catholic-church-secularism.html. 
  23. ↑ "Procession of the Holy Blood". Vatican News. 2022-05-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/holy-blood-procession-bruges.html. 
  24. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 
  25. ↑ "Catholic Education in Belgium". Catholic News Agency. 2021-03-10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24785/catholic-schools-belgium. 
  26. ↑ "Caritas Belgium". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/belgium/. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 
  28. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic Heritage". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/belgium-catholic-church. 
  29. ↑ "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Beauraing". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1236.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Basilica of the Holy Blood". UNESCO. 2023-01-01. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/855. 
  31. ↑ "Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Our-Lady-Antwerp. 
  32. ↑ "Saint Bavo’s Cathedral". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/saint-bavo-cathedral. 
  33. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 
  34. ↑ "Saints of Belgium". Vatican. 2009-10-11. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20091011_damien_en.html. 
  35. ↑ "Belgium’s Catholic Church Faces Secular Challenges". Vatican News. 2021-03-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-03/belgium-catholic-church-secularism.html. 
  36. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Belgium". Catholic News Agency. 2021-06-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24800/catholic-youth-belgium. 
  37. ↑ "Caritas Belgium". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/belgium/. 
  38. ↑ "Catholicism in Belgium". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belgium. 

External links

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