Saint Catherine’s Church Beguinage
Explore Diest and be charmed by exceptional masterpieces created by, created for or inspired by... women! Depart from the beguinage, the former walled community of women within the city. Then continue on to the Sint-Sulpitiuskerk (Saint Sulpitius Church) on the Grote Markt, in search of the Madonna of Diest, to conclude your visit at the De Hofstadt museum with several female masterpieces.
Saint Catherine’s Church Beguinage
Walking underneath the 1671 Baroque entrance gate, one immediately experiences the serenity, harmony and seclusion of the Diest beguinage, one of the largest in the world. Sint-Catharinakerk, which is constructed from local ironstone, is a typical unadorned beguinage church dating back to the 14th century. The beguines sought the help of Catherine, one of their most popular saints, for burns and skin ailments. The church was recently restored and limewashed on the outside. The interior is awash with Baroque and Rococo features.
The Four Evangelists - Theodoor van Loon (1581-1649)
The four evangelists - John, Luke, Mark and Matthew - are often depicted in antique togas at their writing desks. They each have their own individual symbol: an angel for Matthew, a lion for Mark, a bull for Luke and an eagle for John. Theodoor van Loon, a contemporary and rival of Rubens, spent some time in Italy where he was inspired by Caravaggio and his followers.
Pulpit - Jan Mason and Jan van den Steen
In 1671 Jan Mason, a citizen of Diest, created the pulpit in collaboration with carver and priest Jan van den Steen (1633-1723) who originated from Mechelen. What is so unique about this Baroque pulpit is that four female saints are symbolically supporting the pulpit and the word of God. Prominently displayed is Saint Catherine, the patron saint of the beguinage, Saint Begga, a regional saint, and on the opposite side Saint Agnes. Hidden beneath the steps of the pulpit, you will notice a special saint: Mary Magdalene. She appears in almost every church in Diest.
The modestly elegant pose of the female saints, the sleek draping of their clothing, the striking elaboration of the hairstyles and attention to physical details make this sculpture group a true masterpiece. We should also mention two more female statues at the bottom of the stairs to the pulpit. With their censer and lamp they enlighten the mind of the priest who is about to proclaim religious truths from the pulpit.
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