On July 9, 1572, nineteen Catholic priests and religious were hanged in a turf shed in the town of Brielle by Calvinist rebels. Their crime: refusing to renounce the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the primacy of the Pope. Among them were secular priests, Franciscans, Augustinians, a Dominican, and a Premonstratensian—men from different orders united in martyrdom. Pope Pius IX beatified them in 1867, and Pope Pius XII canonized them in 1867 as the Martyrs of Gorkum.
Today the Shrine of the Martyrs of Gorkum in Brielle commemorates their witness. The small chapel stands near the site of their execution, drawing pilgrims who honor these men who died rather than deny their faith during the Dutch Wars of Religion. In a country where Catholicism was suppressed for centuries, the Martyrs of Gorkum represent the cost of fidelity.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The Martyrs of Gorkum were captured when the Dutch Sea Beggars (Watergeuzen) took the town of Gorkum (Gorinchem) during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. Though William of Orange ordered the prisoners' release, the local commander ignored the order. The captives—eleven Franciscans, two Premonstratensians, two Norbertines, one Dominican, one Augustinian, and four diocesan priests—were taken to Brielle.
For two weeks they were imprisoned and pressured to apostatize. Each was offered freedom if he would renounce Catholic doctrine on the Eucharist and papal authority. All nineteen refused. On July 9, 1572, they were taken to a turf shed and hanged.
Their bodies were mutilated by the mob, and the remains were recovered and venerated by the faithful only after great difficulty. The cause for their canonization proceeded slowly through the centuries. They were beatified in 1867 and canonized in 1867.
The shrine at Brielle was established after Dutch Catholic emancipation. A simple chapel marks the site of martyrdom, drawing pilgrims particularly on July 9.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Brielle
Chapel of the Martyrs of Gorkum
Site of the 1572 martyrdom
The modest chapel stands near the location where the nineteen martyrs were hanged. A memorial and reliquary honor their sacrifice. The chapel's simplicity reflects the humble circumstances of their death.
Site of the Turf Shed
The traditional location of the execution, marked by the chapel and memorial.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Martyrs of Gorkum — July 9
The anniversary of the martyrdom draws pilgrims for Mass and commemoration.
Pilgrimage from Gorinchem to Brielle — July
Some pilgrimages trace the route the martyrs were forced to travel from their capture to their execution.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Van der Valk Hotel Rotterdam-Brielle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel near Brielle. Reserve this hotel
Hotels in Rotterdam (25 km northeast) — The major port city offers extensive accommodations.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is 25 km east. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is 70 km north.
By Train/Bus: Rotterdam Central Station is the nearest major hub. From there, take a bus to Brielle.
By Car: From Rotterdam, take the A15 west, then the N57 south to Brielle. The historic town center is compact and walkable.
By Ferry: A small ferry connects Brielle to Rozenburg across the Brielse Meer.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
William S. Koster, The Martyrs of Gorkum — Account of the martyrs and their witness.
🔗 Useful Links
Martyrs of Gorkum — Shrine information.
Diocese of Rotterdam — Diocesan information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Heiloo (80 km north) — Shrine of Our Lady in Distress.
Warfhuizen (180 km north) — Hermitage of Our Lady of the Garden Enclosed.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"We firmly believe in the Holy Roman Church. We will live and die in the faith of that Church." — The Martyrs of Gorkum, July 9, 1572
