The opening ceremony begins with a short service in the open air at the Spring of Saint Servatius in the Jeker valley, a few miles south of Maastricht. The service includes drinking water from the spring that, according to legend, sprung where Saint Servatius tapped his crozier on the ground. The opening ceremony continues at the Basilica of St Servatius, where the bust of Saint Servatius is carried around the church in procession, after which it makes its grand entry via the South Portal (Bergportaal), normally reserved for royal visitors. This is followed by a Pontifical High Mass, celebrated by the bishop of Roermond, the dean of Maastricht and other priests. During this mass the Noodkist is brought into the church and placed on a platform on the choir steps, where it remains for the entire period.Fotoboek (2011), pp. 24-39, and 'Impressies HDV 2018: Processie en Openingsmis 24.05.2018' on website heiligdomsvaartmaastricht.nl. During the next 11 days, high masses are celebrated every day, often aimed at certain groups. In 2018 masses and services were held for members of the Taizé Community, the Community of Sant'Egidio, the Community of the Crucified and Risen Love, the Society of St Gregory, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the monks of St. Benedictusberg Abbey. Other groups that received a special welcome in the church included pilgrims to the shrine of Saint Gerlach in Houthem, pilgrims from Sint Oedenrode and Hasselt, members of the Armenian, Philippine and Antillian communities in Maastricht, as well as children of primary schools in Maastricht. Furthermore, prayer services, Liturgies of the Hours, lectures and other spiritual activities are organised, some of which take place in the crypt, the Keizerzaal, or other unusual locations. Throughout the 11-day pilgrimage there are priests available for confession or personal counsel.
