The Martyrs of Brussels
My first stop after arriving in the heart of Brussels near their famous central square – which is considered by some as the most beautiful square – is the Church of St. Nicholas.
Inside this quaint church rests the holy relics of 19 Martyrs of Gorcum. These Catholics were killed by a Protestant gang on September 7, 1572. Among their number are 10 Franciscans, 2 Norbertines, 1 Dominican, 1 Augustinian, 4 members of the diocesan clergy, and 1 layman. Truly they represent the Universal Church.
Previously in the 18th century across the street from the Church of St. Nicholas was a Franciscan convent that has since been destroyed. The relics of the Gorcum martyrs were carried from that convent to the Church of St. Nicholas and kept in a gilded, copper shrine created by Franz-Xaver Hellner. The shrine is a true work of art and a beautiful expression of Faith.
The shrine rests on four lions. The panels depict Fr. Francois van Rooy, the Virgin Mary with St. Boniface and the Franciscans van Outers. Along the sides are the nineteen martyrs in robes.
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