On the evening of January 15, 1933, eleven-year-old Mariette Beco looked through the kitchen window of her family's modest cottage in Banneux-Notre-Dame and saw a luminous lady standing in the garden. "Mother, there's a woman in the garden," she called. Her mother dismissed it as a neighbor—but when Mariette said the woman was "all in light," wearing a white dress with a blue sash, her mother pulled down the blind in fear. This was the first of eight apparitions that would transform a poor hamlet in the Belgian Ardennes into an international pilgrimage destination: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Poor.
Just twelve days after the final apparition at Beauraing concluded, Mary began appearing in Banneux—as if continuing her mission to Belgium. But while Beauraing's Virgin wore gold and revealed a radiant heart, Banneux's Virgin came barefoot, dressed simply, identifying herself as "the Virgin of the Poor." She led Mariette to a spring and declared: "This spring is reserved for all nations—to relieve the sick." Today, pilgrims from around the world come to pray at that spring, bathe in its waters, and seek Mary's intercession under her title of Mother of the Poor.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Mariette Beco came from a family that had fallen away from the Church. Her parents rarely attended Mass; Mariette herself had dropped out of catechism class. Yet on eight occasions between January 15 and March 2, 1933, the Virgin Mary appeared to this unlikely visionary—always outdoors, usually in the evening cold, always calling Mariette to prayer.
During the second apparition on January 18, Mary beckoned Mariette outside into the freezing night. The girl followed in a trance as Mary led her down the road and stopped at a small ditch. "Put your hands in the water," Mary instructed. Then: "This spring is reserved for me." On January 19, when Mariette asked "Who are you, beautiful Lady?" Mary replied: "I am the Virgin of the Poor."
The messages continued, simple and direct: "I come to relieve suffering" (February 11). "I am the Mother of the Savior, Mother of God. Pray much" (February 15). "I desire a small chapel" (February 20). At the final apparition on March 2, Mary entrusted Mariette with a secret and declared: "I am the Mother of God. Pray much. Adieu."
The spring to which Mary led Mariette flows to this day, producing about 2,000 liters per hour. Hundreds of healings have been reported, though only a handful have been officially recognized as miraculous. The apparitions were approved by Bishop Louis-Joseph Kerkhofs of Liège on August 22, 1949.
Mariette Beco married, raised children, and lived quietly until her death on December 2, 2011, at age 90. She never sought attention, maintaining the humility that characterized Our Lady of the Poor.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Banneux
Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Poor
The apparition site and spring where Mary leads pilgrims
The sanctuary encompasses the original Beco family cottage, the garden where Mary first appeared, the spring to which she led Mariette, and the Chapel of Apparitions built at Mary's request. Pilgrims follow the path Mary walked with Mariette, pray at the spring, and often take water home.
Chapel of the Apparitions
Built in response to Mary's request for "a small chapel," this intimate space marks the exact location where many of the apparitions occurred. Pilgrims gather here for prayer throughout the day.
The Spring
The miraculous spring discovered during the second apparition flows continuously. Pilgrims drink from the water, fill containers to take home, and—at designated times—immerse themselves in the baths. The spring remains the heart of Banneux devotion.
The Esplanade and Large Chapel
For major pilgrimages, an outdoor esplanade accommodates thousands of pilgrims. The large chapel nearby provides covered space for liturgies and the recitation of the rosary.
Mariette Beco House
The modest cottage where Mariette lived when Mary appeared has been preserved. Pilgrims can see the window through which the girl first glimpsed the Virgin of the Poor.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of the Poor — August 22
The principal celebration at Banneux, commemorating the episcopal approval of the apparitions.
Anniversary of First Apparition — January 15
Special observances mark the anniversary of Mary's first appearance to Mariette.
Pilgrimage Season — April to October
The sanctuary operates a full pilgrimage program during warmer months, with daily Masses, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic processions, and candlelight rosary processions.
International Pilgrimages
Groups from across Europe organize pilgrimages throughout the season, often combining Banneux with Beauraing.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Centre d'Accueil de Banneux (pilgrim accommodation) — The sanctuary's own pilgrim center provides simple accommodation for individuals and groups. Contact the sanctuary directly. Website
Hostellerie Le Ry d'Ave ⭐⭐⭐ — Charming hotel 25 km south in the Ardennes. Reserve this hotel
Hotels in Liège (30 km) — The city of Liège offers a full range of accommodations.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Brussels Airport (BRU) is 100 km west. Liège Airport (LGG) is 25 km southwest.
By Train: The nearest station is Pepinster (7 km), on the Liège-Verviers line. From Pepinster, take a taxi or bus to Banneux.
By Car: From Liège, take the E25 east toward Aachen, exit at Theux/Pepinster, and follow signs to Banneux-Notre-Dame. Free parking available at the sanctuary.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Don Sharkey, The Woman Shall Conquer — Includes chapters on the Belgian apparitions at Beauraing and Banneux.
🔗 Useful Links
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Banneux — Official site with pilgrimage programs, Mass schedules, and accommodation.
Diocese of Liège — Diocesan information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Beauraing (97 km southwest) — The apparition site of the Virgin of the Golden Heart (1932-1933).
Moresnet-Chapelle (30 km northeast) — Historic pilgrimage chapel near the German border.
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem (90 km northwest) — Belgium's national Marian shrine.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"I am the Virgin of the Poor." — Our Lady to Mariette Beco, January 19, 1933
