In long times, namely at the beginning of the 15th centuries, more specific 1400, arose the Boxmeer-Procession the so called Boxmeers Vaart. It is a blood Procession which is meanwhile at our days of large socio-cultural meaning in Boxmeer. Because of this traditional event Boxmeer received years long an impressive procession of ten thousand of people from far and near.
THE BASIS
For us as modern people it is today hard believing what has been occurred in those days and the located events to understand. The tradition recovers that a priest doubted to the conversion of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Blood sparkled over the cup and a drop of blood remained on the corporale (white linen) behind after the priest its error recognised. This white linen has been kept in the old silver reliquary remained and put away and becomes shown in the Boxmeer-Procession.
THE RELIQUARY
Age-long very much have been published concerning the Boxmeer Procession in within- and foreign country. Official documents were made up, around 1582 destroyed by occupation and in 1631 formulated again. In among other things the old golden carrying chest, from 1482, and in a lot of old art treasures such as an other golden carrying chest , from 1656, and beautiful procession lanterns , from the 19th century, made by famous gold- and silversmith from Boxmeer are more tangible proofs of broad appreciation.
OWN BLOOD WONDER
We realise at present properly that in the period of the origin of the Boxmeerse Vaart – The Boxmeer-Procession- several places in Europe had their own blood wonder. It is not the intention of proving the truth of all these tales. On the one hand the Procession is a homage to the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, on the other hand noticed the Boxmeer community secular value traditions fortunately to value.
TURBULENT TIMES
Up to the sixty years Boxmeer had a Procession week. The youth of Boxmeer had a week holiday. The Procession drew in that week three times by means of several different routes in Boxmeer. Only the route to "Het Zand" has now remained. Turbulent times in the seventy years did fear the most terrible for the Boxmeer-Procession. Fortunately happened that not! Meanwhile a committee of seven so called Vaartmeesters - Processionmasters- since 1979 has existed who keep with success the Boxmeer-Procession.
THE IMPORTANCE
Even the Boxmeer community recognise the importance of the Boxmeer-Procession. Literally the old clothes and wonderful ornaments were dusted off, the silver and cupper ornaments shining polished. Traditionally the Boxmeer Youth in great numbers have been represented; also cooperate about 150 volunteers at achieve of all facets of the organisation of the Boxmeer-Procession.
2000
The sixth centenary of the Boxmeer Procession have been very extended celebrated during a whole week in June 2000.
BASILICA MINOR
At the occasion of sixth centenary of the Boxmeer Procession the St. Peter-Church by 25th of June 2000 have been proclaimed to Basilica Minor by papal decree of John Paul II.
FOUNDATION
By 10th of April 2000 because of the necessary continuity the whole organisation of the Boxmeer Procession has been established in the Foundation Comité Boxmeerse Vaart.
