Marking a powerful symbol of cultural connection, 66 Americans with Luxembourgish roots will join Sunday's Octave closing procession, unveiling a new banner specifically created for the pilgrimage's 400th Jubilee.
A delegation of 66 Americans with Luxembourgish roots will take part in the Octave’s closing procession on Sunday, marking a special moment in the 400th Jubilee of Luxembourg's most important religious pilgrimage, in honour of Our Lady of Luxembourg, the Grand Duchy's patron saint. Arriving from 17 different US states as part of the Luxembourg Adventures group, the visitors will unveil a newly commissioned banner – designed by Luxembourg artist Jacques Schneider – at the closing procession.
The banner was officially blessed by Luxembourg's Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich during the 138th American Luxembourg Mass in the Glacis chapel at 10am on Saturday, before featuring in Sunday’s final procession.
"We're really making history – affirming the past, the 19th century, the last century, and now the 21st", said group spokesperson Kevin Wester, who earlier this week appeared on Today Radio's Sam Steen Show alongside his Luxembourg affiliate, Marc Zimer.
Wester, a Wisconsin native whose ancestors moved from the Grand Duchy to the States – and a cousin to Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich – said the idea to bring a group for the 400th Jubilee originated three years ago during a visit by the Cardinal to the Luxembourg-American communities in the Midwest.
"He said to me, 'Why don't you bring a group for the 400th Jubilee?' I said, 'What 400th Jubilee?'", Wester recalled. "So then he explained it was about Our Lady of Luxembourg. And I thought that would be so much fun."
While previous trips typically included around 38 participants, the significance of this year's anniversary inspired Wester to nearly double the group's size. "There's a tradition – when there have been big anniversaries like the Millennium of Luxembourg in 1963 – that they brought a big group. So I thought we needed to do something special", he said.
The unveiling of the new banner continues a tradition that dates back to 1892 and was repeated in 1966. "It has a very strong symbolic value", Wester explained. "It's about that unique relationship between little Luxembourg and Luxembourgers in the US."
He emphasised that for many 19th-century immigrants, devotion to Our Lady of Luxembourg was a central part of their cultural identity.
The contemporary-style banner, created by Schneider, lists 27 US communities that house public images of Our Lady of Luxembourg, including statues and stained-glass windows. Schneider was "really moved that we would ask him", Wester said. "He said it's been one of the most meaningful projects he's done."
In addition to the new design, the two historic banners from 1892 and 1966 will also be carried in Sunday's procession.
Deepening ties
Alongside its religious nature, there is a strong cultural side to the group's visit, with planned events including a banquet on Friday evening.
Wester stressed the importance of offering US citizens with Luxembourgish roots – like himself – a chance to reconnect with their heritage. "Since 2008, people can reclaim Luxembourg nationality. There's about 18,000 Americans who have already done so, like myself."
Marc Zimer, who helps organise youth exchange programmes between Luxembourg and Midwestern schools in the US, highlighted the deepening ties. "This year, about six schools are participating in exchanges", he said, mentioning recent student visits between Wisconsin and Luxembourg.
The closing procession of the Octave will take place on Sunday, 25 May, in Luxembourg City. Spectators are encouraged to attend and witness this historic celebration of cross-Atlantic cultural heritage.
Those interested in learning more or connecting with Luxembourg-American communities can visit the Luxembourg American Cultural Society at lacs.lu.
Listen to the full conversation on The Sam Steen Show:
Kevin Wester has in the past contributed to RTL Today, writing about the links between Luxembourg and Chicago, which you can check out here, here, here, here, and here.
