St. Clement's Church - Boitsfort

You come across it on a rise

An 11^th century surprise;

Romanesque, modest, alone

This church has scarcely a grave stone…

 

You climb towards it from Place Keym;

It bears an unfamiliar name:

Saint Clement’s – loyal Pope of Rome

Who was by Trajan overthrown…

 

First century: strife and confusion

Persistent Roman persecution;

Imprisoned, banned from speaking out

With other Christians, suffered drought…

 

His miracle? He found a source

A blessed, hidden under course!

In sacred texts an anchor shows

His martyrdom in Grecian flows…

 

Today, this church has aspect sad

In scaffolding its tower is clad;

But workmen’s vans parked in the drive

Convince me that it will survive!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Boitsfort

 

St. Clement, tied to an anchor, being thrown from a ship

Historical note:  He is traditionally recognized as the fourth Pope, succeeding Saint Peter, Saint Linus, and Saint Cletus. Clement is most famous for his First Epistle to the Corinthians, an influential early Christian document written to resolve disputes in the Corinthian church.