Himelin

Who was Himelin?

Saint Himelin was an Irish or Scottish priest who, returning from a pilgrimage to Rome, fell ill when passing through Vissenaken.

He is said to have been the brother of Rumbold, patron saint of Mechelen.

The legend of Saint Himelin states that in Vissenaken he asked a girl for some water. She refused, as there was bubonic plague in the area. However, after much insistence from Himelin, she finally gave him a pitcher of water, which miraculously turned into wine. Himelin died three days later of the plague. He is venerated on 10 March. His cult is confined to Vissenaken.