Although it is often easier to look at things from a negative perspective, there is indeed some positive data in this new annual report from the Church of Belgium. We have selected for you the figures and other information that have boosted our morale.
Figures that make you smile
2000 : This is the number of young Belgians who went to the World Youth Day in Lisbon. Regarding the number of participants in the JMJ Belgium #2 and Sterren van Hoop Festival, the combination of the two events brings us to 1597 participants. So many young people, supporters and volunteers motivated to make our Church move.
260 : This is the number of adults who were baptized in 2023. And this figure is increasing since in March 2024, the number of baptized adults announced was 362. This represents double the number in 2014.
1.625.000 : This is the number of visitors to the Marian sanctuaries of Belgium. Of the four main sanctuaries in the country, Beauraing and Banneux have found, and even exceeded, the number of visitors they had before the Covid-19 pandemic. The two Flemish sanctuaries: Oostakker and Scherpenheuvel have also seen their number of pilgrims increase, although they are not yet at pre-covid figures. Generally speaking, attendance at our sanctuaries is growing year after year and has now exceeded the 2018 figures.
A slight increase in vocations
10 : This is the number of ordinations. A slight increase compared to 2022, since there were nine ordinations that year. This figure includes ordinations of diocesan priests as well as community priests.
7790 : This is the number of religious men and women in our country in 2022. It is still less than in 2016, which are the oldest figures we have, but a slight increase in vocations compared to 2021.
Coronavirus
