Saint-Médard
Rue Léon Colleaux
6762 Saint-Mard (Virton)
Church | 1867 | Neoromanesque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 July - 31 August
Mon -
Tue -
Wed -
Thu -
Fri -
Sat -
Sun 14.00 - 18.00
Description
Inside the church of Saint-Médard, the two 17th century side altars are particularly noteworthy. The north altar is decorated with a painting of Simon Stock receiving the scapular from the Virgin, as well as sculptures of St. Hubert, St. Nicholas and the Virgin and Child. The southern altar is decorated with a painting of the Holy Trinity and statues of St. Medard, St. Roch and St. Sebastian.
Outside, above the porch, a statue of Saint Medard blesses the faithful. It is the work of Trauffler de Battincourt who carved it out of Malmaison stone in 1867. Note that the saint blesses with his left hand.
Since Easter 2014, the church has had a carillon with 14 bronze bells.
Retrieved from www.soleildegaume.be
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
Photos
Remarkable elements
Sculpted tympanum of the main portal
Under the statue of Saint Médard, blessing with his left hand, the sculptor Trauffler, from Battincourt (Aubange), sculpted a Last Judgement representing Christ welcoming little children.
Lamp-ends
Four of the archway's capitals, sculpted in limestone, represent four of the seven deadly sins: envy, lust, anger and pride. Their faces are said to have been inspired by the inhabitants of Saint-Mard.
Stained glass window in memory of the First World War
Left outside the Belgian defence lines during the First World War, the Gaume experienced a real disaster from 22 to 25 August 1914, with bloody fighting between the French and Germans, massacres of civilians and the destruction of entire villages (the so-called "Battle of the Borders"). Despite some bombings Saint-Mard was relatively spared, although many of its young people were sent to the front in the interior of the country. This stained glass window commemorates the sacrifice of these soldiers.
Side altars
Baroque side altars from the former church of Saint-Mard, with wooden statues (Saint Sebastian, Saint Roch and Saint Medard (18th century)).
The old church of Saint-Mard was destroyed shortly before the new one was built. In Gothic style, with four belfries, it formed a seigniorial complex with the castle of Laittres and the Charnier monument (remains of the old cemetery), at the eastern exit of the locality, towards Chenois (300m from this church).
Eagle desk
Lectern from 1828. It serves as a lectern for the proclamation of the Word of God.
Christ on the cross
Oil on canvas by Camille Barthelemy.This internationally renowned painter (1890-1961) was born in Saint-Mard and died in Chiny. Trained at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts, he produced numerous works in Morocco, France, Belgium and Luxembourg (oils, frescoes, theatre sets, etc.). Represented in several museums, he has produced several works for his native village. Strongly attached to the world of workers, he represents here Christ on the cross, venerated on both sides, notably by the workers of the steel industry.
