Église Saint-Guibert de Gembloux

Église Saint-Guibert de Gembloux, also known by its local name Sint-Guibertuskerk, stands as a magnificent testament to the historical and architectural heritage of Gembloux, Belgium. This Roman Catholic church, situated at the heart of the town, was once the abbey church of the Benedictine Abbey of Gembloux. Today, it serves as the main place of worship for the local Catholic community and a site of veneration for Saint Guibert.

The History of Église Saint-Guibert de Gembloux

The origins of Église Saint-Guibert de Gembloux can be traced back to the 10th century when Saint Guibert founded the Abbey of Saint Peter in Gembloux. For centuries, the abbey was the center of socio-economic, cultural, and religious life in the town. However, in 1678, a devastating fire ravaged the abbey and much of Gembloux, leading to a significant reconstruction effort nearly a century later.

The current church building, constructed between 1762 and 1779, is the work of Laurent-Benoit Dewez, a renowned architect from the Southern Netherlands. The reconstruction was initiated under the direction of Abbot Legran, who aimed to restore the abbey's former glory. However, the French Revolutionary authorities expelled the monks and confiscated their properties in 1797. The abbey buildings were sold as national assets, but the abbey church met a different fate. In 1812, it was repurposed as the parish church of Saint Guibert, replacing the old parish church of Saint-Sauveur.

Architectural Marvels

The Église Saint-Guibert de Gembloux is a stunning example of 18th-century ecclesiastical architecture. Built with bricks and stone, the church features a limestone base and a Latin cross floor plan. The façade, facing André Hénin Square, boasts a rounded arch portal from the original construction, adorned with a foliated keystone and topped by a triangular pediment.

The church's nave consists of three bays, with upper-level trapezoidal windows and lower-level rounded arch windows. The interior is rhythmically punctuated by Corinthian pilasters supporting an entablature with cornices and modillions. The crossing of the transept is crowned by a 19th-century bell tower, while the eastern flank features a tower with a bell-shaped roof and a lantern.

The transept itself is flanked by four low chapels at its corners. The crossing is surmounted by a blind dome and barrel vaults. Along the walls of the sanctuary and the flat chevet, two rows of stalls from the monastic era remain, adding to the church's historical charm.

A Place of Veneration

The right transept of the church is dedicated to the veneration of Saint Guibert. Here, visitors can find a shrine containing the saint's relics, a niche with a statue of Saint Guibert, and a reliquary. While large pilgrimages in honor of Saint Guibert are no longer organized, his legacy remains deeply intertwined with the history of Gembloux, and the church continues to uphold this centuries-old tradition.

The church's statuary is heavily influenced by Benedictine traditions, reflecting the order to which Saint Guibert belonged. The double columns of each pilaster at the crossing frame large statues of Saints Benedict, Guibert, Gertrude, and Scholastica. Additionally, the large wall niches house statues of Saint Maur, Saint Macloué, and Placide, while the other side of the transept features statues of the Church Fathers: Saint Gregory, Anselm, and Peter Celestine (Celestine V).

Artistic Heritage

The stalls in the sanctuary, crafted by Namur artist Denis-George Bayar, are a notable feature of the church's artistic heritage. The right transept houses the relics of Saint Guibert, displayed under a large niche with a statue of the saint holding a model of his abbey. At the back of the sanctuary, on the flat chevet, a large painting depicting the solemn reception of the saint's relics can be found, although the artist remains unknown.

In conclusion, Église Saint-Guibert de Gembloux is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of history and art. Its walls echo the stories of the past, from its founding by Saint Guibert to its reconstruction after the fire and its transformation into a parish church. Visitors to this remarkable church can immerse themselves in its rich heritage, marvel at its architectural beauty, and pay homage to the saint who played a pivotal role in the history of Gembloux.