On Sunday, 16 March, a group of parishioners visited the Abbey of Onze Lieve Vrouw Ter Nood (Our Lady in Distress) in the beautiful city of Heiloo in North Holland. The Abbey is the largest Marian place of pilgrimage in the Netherlands with a history dating back to the end of the fourteenth century.
Almost 100 pilgrims made the pilgrimage. Some took the pre-arranged bus while others came by car or public transport.
This pilgrimage is to commemorate the Holy Year of Hope 2025, during which certain cathedrals, abbeys and basilicas all over the world are open to pilgrims unable to visit Rome during the Holy Year.
Upon arrival, the pilgrims prayed and sang together as they walked the Stations of the Cross around the serene grounds of the Abbey. Afterwards, they visited the beautiful Mariakapel for private prayer.
The Abbey and the Mariakapel are looked after by the Blue Sisters who live in the nearby Julianaklooster.
In his homily during the Mass celebrated at 16.00, Fr. Sjaak spoke about his family’s relationship with the Sisters and how he felt like it was a homecoming for him. A general absolution was given to mark the Holy Year, after which the pilgrims left and returned back to The Hague.
It was a beautiful cold but sunny afternoon and the pilgrims returned home truly enriched by this unique experience.
