As is customary every year, the Saint Hubert celebrations took place in leafy Tervuren (Flemish Brabant) on the last Sunday of October. In keeping with tradition, owners walked with their animals to Saint Hubert’s Chapel to be blessed.
Saint Hubert is a Christian saint. He served as the first Bishop of Liège and is the patron saint of hunting and, by extension, of all riders, horse and dog lovers. Once a year, on the last Sunday in October, Saint Hubert is celebrated in Tervuren. Mass is said and the animals are blessed.
‘First mass was said at the St. John's Church. Afterwards we walked in procession to the chapel,’ explains Bram Bartholomees, Tervuren alderman for Tourism. ‘All the pets were then blessed in front of the chapel. On the way there, spectators were handed blessed bread rolls that protect against rabies.’
Large crowds in attendance
Once again, this year the Saint Hubert celebrations in Tervuren attracted a large crowd. ‘The church was packed, with at least 350 people, including some from as far afield as Kessel-Lo and Ieper,’ said Hubert De Groot, vice-chairman of the Saint Hubert fraternity of Tervuren.
Fraternity has existed since 1605
Mr De Groot believes this is a tradition that must not be lost. ‘This is the highlight of the year for our fraternity. We have been around for a very long time, since 1605. Even Archduke Albert and Archduchess Isabella were once members of our brotherhood, as was Rubens's widow. This celebration and blessing reconnects us all. It’s a tradition we do not want to lose.’