Sanctuaire du Vieux Bon Dieu

The old cross

Called the "Old God", this cross dates from the end of the 9th century, beginning of the 10th century. We think it would come from the nearby parish of Theux. No longer in tune with current tastes, it was abandoned and relegated to a side chapel in the 18th century. She was then buried to protect her during the French Revolution.

Christ is dressed in a sleeved tunic (dovecote) that bears traces of polychromy, i. e. old colours. It is the oldest polychrome wooden columbium Christ in Belgium. It is housed in a specially built chapel. 

Origin of the sanctuary

The history of the sanctuary is closely linked to the noble family del Marmol, as recalled by the commemorative plaque to the right of the entrance door. In the middle of the 19th century, the large wooden cross was found buried on the land of Simon Pirard, grandfather of the del Marmol family. The latter decided to shelter him in his chapel. Later, his descendants built a new chapel which they enlarged in response to the influx of pilgrims. At the same time, wishing to surround himself with a religious community, Baron del Marmol had a small monastery built right next to the chapel. A Benedictine community lived there for years before being replaced by Premonstratensians.

Ex-voto

At the entrance, the ex-voto in the form of a platelet testifies to the belief in the powers of the Old God of Tancremont. 

Stained glass windows

The stained glass windows on the left tell the story of the arrival of the cross at Tancrémont. When they were drawn, it was thought that the cross came from the Holy Land. However, this belief has been undermined by the analysis of wood: Christ is carved in lime wood, a wood that did not grow there at the time. The stained glass windows on the right tell the story of the construction of the premises.  

Several venerated saints

In the chapel are also venerated: Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Faithful of Sigmaringen and the Child Jesus.  

Organ

Download the plan of the remarkable elements