In the small Belgian town of Halle, two contrasting approaches to Catholicism are unfolding, reflecting the broader challenges facing the Church as Pope Francis prepares for his visit to Belgium from September 24-29, 2024.
At the Don Bosco church, Nancy Speeckaert, a woman, has been blessing the holy host and performing sacraments, drawing large, enthusiastic congregations. This progressive approach stands in stark contrast to the more traditional practices at Saint Martin's Basilica, where attendance has been dwindling.
The Catholic Church in Belgium, with its rich history dating back to the 7th century, is at a crossroads. The country, home to approximately 11.5 million people, has seen a significant decline in religious practice since the 1960s. This trend is evident in the fact that only 8.9% of Belgians attend Mass at least once a month.
Pope Francis faces numerous challenges during his visit, including addressing the aftermath of sexual abuse scandals that have deeply affected the Church. The case of Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, who admitted to abusing his nephew in 2010, exemplifies the Church's struggle with these issues. It took until 2024 for the Pope to defrock Vangheluwe, a move seen by many as an attempt to address criticism ahead of his visit.
"At first, I went to the cardinal. Nothing happened. He knew nothing. Could do nothing. Or wrote: 'I prayed for you.'"
The decline in church attendance is accompanied by a shortage of priests. In 2022, only nine priests were ordained in Belgium, a country that once had a priest in every parish. This shortage has led to innovative approaches, such as at Don Bosco, where Nancy Speeckaert gradually took on a larger role, eventually leading to women celebrating sacraments.
However, this progressive approach has not been without consequences. In March 2024, Don Bosco lost its status as a Catholic parish and is now preparing to become an independent religious community. This decision highlights the tension between traditional Catholic doctrine and calls for modernization.
Belgium's Catholic landscape is diverse, with six dioceses and one military ordinariate. The country has a rich tradition of religious art, particularly in Flemish painting, and has produced several Catholic saints, including Father Damien. Despite the challenges, the Catholic Church in Belgium remains involved in various social and charitable activities, and the country maintains a system of state funding for recognized religions.
As Pope Francis prepares to hold a mass for 35,000 people at the King Baudouin stadium on September 29, 2024, the Don Bosco community will simultaneously conduct its own service, led by a woman. This parallel event symbolizes the coexistence of different approaches to faith within the Belgian Catholic community.
The Pope's visit comes at a crucial time for the Catholic Church in Belgium, as it navigates the complexities of maintaining tradition while addressing calls for reform. The outcome of this visit may shape the future direction of Catholicism in this small but significant European nation.