The Statue of Saint Gudula

Saint Gudula was born in 650 in Moorsel, near Aalst. Her education was entrusted to her aunt and godmother, Saint Gertrude, abbess of the Abbey of Nivelles. This childhood spent among pious women undoubtedly predestined her to lead a consecrated life. Gudula decided to dedicate her life to prayer, service to others, and charity. She died in 712.

Her relics were transferred to the Romanesque church that stood here in the 11th century. It was then that the building was renamed the Collegiate Church of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula.

The neo-Gothic statue of the crowned Saint Gudula was dedicated to the memory of the saint, who died thirteen centuries ago.
The statue is made of gilded wood. The saint holds an open Bible in her hand, on which rests a miniature of the cathedral. In her right hand, she carries a lantern. According to legend, the devil blew out the flame to prevent Gudula from going to pray in a nearby chapel in the evening. The saint is said to have knelt and implored Heaven to help her.

Heaven is said to have sent an angel to relight the flame and allow Gudula to continue her way to the chapel.

This allegory illustrates the small flame of Christian faith, shining in a troubled time when Gudula had to face opposing forces trying to divert her from religion.