Our Lady, Holy Mother of God

On the corner of Bouillonstraat and the Sint Servaasklooster stands a statue of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus. The monument was erected in July 1948 and forms part of the historic ‘Bidweg van de Sterre der Zee’ (Way of Prayer of the Star of the Sea). Along this route stand various statues of the Virgin Mary linked to the centuries-old veneration of Mary in Maastricht.

The Star of the Sea
The statue is a replica of the miraculous image of Our Lady, Star of the Sea. This statue has been venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady since 1837. The pilgrimage route runs from the basilica through various streets in the city centre, including Bouillonstraat, and back to Onze Lieve Vrouweplein.

What is there to see?
Charles Vos created the monument from French limestone. At the top stands the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus. She stands upon the waves and a star adorns her head, a reference to her name, Star of the Sea. Two reliefs depicting praying families are set into the plinth. Several figures are holding rosaries. Between them is the inscription: ‘Show that you are our mother’.

About the artist
Charles Vos (1888–1954) was a Maastricht-based sculptor who created many religious and public artworks for the city. His work can be found in various locations throughout Maastricht. Well-known works such as ’t Mooswief on the Markt and the statue of Saint Servatius on the Saint Servatius Bridge are also his creations.

The Prayer Path
The statue of the Virgin Mary is one of the works of art along the ‘Bidweg van de Sterre der Zee’ (Prayer Path of the Star of the Sea). According to tradition, this Maastricht prayer route dates back to the early eighteenth century. Between 1943 and 1950, several new statues and groups of statues of the Virgin Mary were erected along the route. The monument on Bouillonstraat was installed there in 1948.