Saint Catherine’s Church

Sint-Catharinakerk in Maaseik (interieur)

Grote Kerkstraat 15, Maaseik

No less than 11 Flemish masterpieces can be admired in the Sint-Catharinakerk in Maaseik. Spoilt for choice with a veritable treasure trove, but remember to pay special attention to the more than 1 m high silver processional cross. Frederik Malders deployed all his technical craftsmanship to create it. In his day the silversmith was a famous name in Maaseik.

Jacques Dalemans

Reliquary of Saints Harlindis and Relindis

The reliquary contains the mortal remains of Harlindis and Relindis, the first abbesses of Aldeneik Abbey. According to tradition, this former abbey was founded around 720 CE near the Maas River by the Frankish nobleman Adelhard and his wife Grinuara.

After their deaths, the sick were said to be miraculously healed at their graves, which is why Harlindis and Relindis were canonised. Aldeneik became a well-known place of pilgrimage where the mortal remains of the two sisters were solemnly displayed and worshipped at altars and reliquaries.

In 1652, Gulielmus and Elisabeth de Borman-Puytlinck donated a large reliquary, covered with silver, for the preservation of the mortal remains of Saints Harlindis and Relindis by the Chapter of Maaseik.

Traditionally, the sarcophagus only leaves the church for an 'ommegang', a procession that takes place every 25 years and in which the relics of Saint Harlindis and Relindis are carried from Maaseik to Aldeneik and back.

Saint Catherine’s Church

The present brick built Sint-Catharinakerk, which dates back to 1845, replaced an older, dilapidated collegiate church. It was built in Neoclassical style and has a simple interior, with several older elements, such as the altar in the high chancel (circa 1700). Noteworthy are the many written documents, such as the 8th century Codex Eyckensis, the oldest gospel book in the Benelux and a Flemish masterpiece. The textile collection is also quite remarkable, with most pieces originating from the former abbey of Aldeneik.

Silverware

Frederik Malders was a silversmith and leading light in Maaseik. He worked for churches and monasteries, making objects in gold and silver for liturgical purposes: chalices, oil and ointment jars, salvers and much more. In 1796 the sexton saved the church treasure, including the silverware, from confiscation by the French by hiding the precious objects.

Restaura

Rik Nulens

Practical information

Address

Grote Kerkstraat 15

3680 Maaseik

Belgium

View directions

Opening hours

From 1 April to 31 October, open Tuesday to Sunday from 13.05 to 16.30 hrs.
From 1 November to 31 March, open Tuesday to Sunday from 13.05 to 15.30 hrs.
Closed on Mondays, 1 January 2024, 10 March 2024, 1 November 2023 and 2024 and 24, 25 and 26 December 2023 and 2024.
The Sint-Catharine church treasures museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 13.05 to 16.30 hrs.

Accessibility

The Church Treasures are difficult to access for people with disabilities.

Good to know

Church admission in combination with the RAM (Regional Archaeological Museum) and the Apothecary Museum: € 6.00 standard rate
Tickets only available at the museum/Tourist office desk: Markt 45 in Maaseik