There has been a cross in the verge along Waalbandijk dike near Afferden since time immemorial. It is known locally as the ‘Stone Cross’ and is believed to commemorate the murder of a priest in 1542. The cross has been designated as a national monument by the municipality of Druten.
Priest
The day before Christmas in the year 1542, a priest from Megen was walking along the dike at Afferden when he encountered two knights fighting. The priest reminded them that they should not desecrate Christmas with bloodshed but they would not listen. The priest intervened and was mortally wounded in the confusion. The knights were so horrified about what had happened that they went straight to the monastery to pay penance for their sins.
Monk
There are a number of variations on this story. Some say it was a local monk who was on his way to Druten Castle to administer the last rites to a dying man. Local legend even tells us the name of the unfortunate man: the Franciscan priest Fidelis. According to the legend, the priest was buried by the knights on this ill-fated spot.
Chalice
This is an exciting tale that may well have actually happened. There is an old image of a chalice on the cross, which is a clear reference to a priest, and it is quite possible that the priest came from the Franciscan monastery nearby on the border between Bergharen and Horssen, ‘O.L. Vrouw op de Holtmeer’ (Our Lady of Holtmeer). Erecting a cross following a murder or manslaughter has been customary for centuries. These crosses were erected by the perpetrator or his family as a sign of conciliation and to honour the victim. Similar crosses can be seen in Elst and <span style=text-decoration: underline”>Rumpt.</span></p>”
