Belgium - Ascension Day in Bruges for The Bible Scenes & Holy Blood Procession
Led by The Rev’d David Chance and Mrs Andrea Chance
Introduction
If you have enjoyed the Oberammergau Passion Play then join us for the extraordinary Ascension Day Bible Scenes and Holy Blood Procession in Bruges 15th to 18th May 2012.
The people of Bruges follow a centuries old tradition of dressing up and acting out Old Testament scenes, scenes from the Life of Our Lord and scenes from their medieval history. We sit in grandstand seats in the city square while the whole story passes in front of us: Adam and Eve, Noah and the animals, Jacob and his family, Moses and the children of Israel, children dancing, flocks of sheep and goats, horses and camels; the Nativity with the adoration of the shepherds and visit of the magi, Christ’s Ministry, Passion and Resurrection; the medieval story of the bringing of the relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus to Bruges; modern tableaux and finally the clergy carrying the relic. This all takes place in the medieval splendour of a world heritage site. Previous pilgrims have expressed astonishment at this moving spectacle, which affirmed their faith. Come with us and experience living history! We will be based in a comfortable hotel in easy walking distance of all the sites and with time to visit the chocolate, lace and waffle shops, the famous breweries, the spectacular churches, rich museums and art galleries. A tour of the town and a canal boat ride are included. You may like to take a horse drawn carriage ride.
Basic Itinerary
DAY ONE - TUESDAY
St Pancras - Brussels - Bruges
Depart from London St Pancras by Eurostar train to Brussels and on by fast train to Bruges. Taxi to our hotel. David and Andrea offer an orientation walk this evening. Breakfast will be in our hotel each day, and dinner will be optional, with details to be announced nearer to the time.
DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY
Bruges
After breakfast a local guide will lead a walking tour of the city centre visiting the major sites. David and Andrea will show you where to buy lunch and point you in the direction of shops, museums, galleries and carriage rides.
DAY THREE - THURSDAY
The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord
After breakfast David and Andrea will take you to the Basilica of the Holy Blood for a contemplative Mass/Eucharist in the presence of the Relic. This is an opportunity for quiet time before the excitements of the day. They will then take you to the Cathedral of St Saviour for pontifical High Mass with ecumenical guests. After a quick lunch they will take you to the reserved grandstand seats (bring appropriate covering for rain or sun). The Procession lasts for two hours after which there is Benediction from the bell tower.
DAY FOUR - FRIDAY
Bruges - Brussels - London
After breakfast we take a boat ride along the canals (included) in this “Venice of the north”. The taxi leaves the hotel for the afternoon train home.
Travel Dates and Cost: | ||
|---|---|---|
|
15th May 2012 - 18th May 2012
Four Days
£499
|
||
Terms of Payment: Deposit of £150 (plus the travel insurance premium if the cover we offer is required) per person on booking, balance payable two months before the departure date. | ||
THIS TRIP INCLUDES:Return Eurostar train: St Pancras - Brussels. Return local train service: Brussels - Bruges. Transfers by taxi from Bruges Railway Station to the hotel and return. Three-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with en suite facilities at Hotel Jacobs in the centre of Bruges (www.hoteljacobs.be). 3 buffet breakfasts. Guided walking tour by licensed English-speaking guide. Ticket for the Ascension Day procession. Canal boat ride in Bruges. AITO financial protection.
EXTRAS:Travel insurance at £24 per person. Single use of twin room supplement at £132 per person (limited availability). Lunches, dinners, drinks. U.K. transfers.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:This tour will be led by an Anglican priest. However, members of all Christian denominations will be welcome as well as non-believers.
| ||
OTHER PILGRIMAGES IN France & Belgium | ||





