Great Procession of Tournai

Ever since 1092 Tournai's Great Procession is celebrated every year by way of thanks.

ON SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

Pontifical mass at 6:00 pm in Our Lady’s Cathedral

​A pontifical mass will be celebrated at 6:00 pm by His Excellency Guy Harpigny, bishop of Tournai, accompanied by the choir of the Cathedral.

At the end of the service, the maior of Tournai will hand the keys of the city to the bishop.

This ceremony revives a tradition : in the Middle Ages, the town councillor, together with the deans of the craftsmen, escorted by the wardens, used to come to the Cathedral to bring their offerings.

The group of the wardens and the guilds will add brilliance to this colourful and solemn ceremony.

ON SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

Service at 8:30 am in Our Lady’s Cathedral

A pontifical mass will be celebrated at 8:30 am by His Excellency Guy Harpigny, bishop of Tournai, accompanied by the choir of the Cathedral.

The GREAT PROCESSION at 10 :00 am

About 1000 people carry reliquaries and statues that are venerated in the churches of Tournai and around. They perpetuate a tradition dating back to 1092. Some exceptional pieces such as the relic shrines of the Cathedral, the shrine of Our Lady (1205) , the shrine of Saint Eleutherius (1243) and that of the squires (XVI a.d.) are part of the exhibited treasuries. Several musical groups will enliven the procession.

If it rains, there will be a service inside the Cathedral at 10:30 am

Find more information on the website of the Great Procession of Tournai !