The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Kevelaer, Germany

Kevelaer is Germany's largest Catholic pilgrimage destination, where Our Lady of Consolation has been venerated since 1641 following miraculous apparitions and healings.

On a winter's day in 1641, a humble merchant named Hendrik Busman walked his regular route from Weeze to Geldern across the heath of the Lower Rhine. As he paused to pray at a wayside crucifix near the village of Kevelaer, a mysterious voice interrupted the silence: "Build me a chapel here." Hendrik, a practical man of modest means, dismissed what he heard—until the voice returned twice more in the following days. When his wife Mechel then experienced a vision of a small chapel bathed in radiant light, containing an image of Our Lady of Luxembourg, doubt gave way to faith. Within months, the couple had built a simple wayside shrine, and on June 1, 1642, the parish priest placed a small copper engraving of Consolatrix Afflictorum—the Comforter of the Afflicted—in its heart. The shrine has remained in that exact spot ever since. What began as an act of obedience by a merchant and his wife has become Germany's largest Catholic pilgrimage destination and the most visited Marian shrine in northwest Europe. Today, more than one million pilgrims from Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond journey to Kevelaer annually, drawn by the same promise that has echoed through nearly four centuries: that Mary, under her tender title as Comforter of the Afflicted, awaits all who carry burdens too heavy to bear alone. The town's Kapellenplatz has transformed into a magnificent ensemble of sacred architecture—the hexagonal Gnadenkapelle housing the original image, the Candle Chapel glowing with centuries of grateful offerings, and the soaring neo-Gothic Marienbasilika whose 90-meter tower announces this place of grace across the flat Lower Rhine landscape.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The story of Kevelaer unfolds against the backdrop of the Thirty Years' War, when the Lower Rhine region knew little but hardship and uncertainty. Hendrik Busman was a traveling merchant, his wife Mechel Schrouse a woman of deep but quiet faith. The voice at the wayside crucifix troubled Hendrik—he was no visionary, just a shopkeeper who stopped to pray each day as he had always done. "Build me a little chapel here," the words came clearly from the direction of the cross. He looked around, saw no one, and continued on his way. Seven or eight days later, at the same spot, the same voice spoke the same words. Hendrik's practical concerns mounted: he had little money, and surely Mechel would think him mad. But Mechel had her own experience to share. One night before Pentecost 1642, she awoke from a vision of brilliant light surrounding a small chapel. Inside she saw an image of the Blessed Virgin—the same devotional print that two passing soldiers had tried to sell her weeks earlier, which she had refused as too expensive. Now she understood. The couple sought out the soldiers and obtained the copper engraving, a copy of the famous miraculous image from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Luxembourg depicting Mary as Consolatrix Afflictorum. With help from the local parish priest, Johannes Schink, Hendrik built a simple wayside shrine exactly as Mechel had seen it in her vision. On the evening of May 31, 1642, Father Schink brought the image from where it had been temporarily kept, and the following day—Sunday, June 1—he placed it in the new shrine. Pilgrims arrived immediately. That same year, on September 8—the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Reinier and Margaretha van Volbroek brought their son Peter, paralyzed for five years, unable to walk or stand. Two days after praying before the image, Peter rose and walked. Word of the miracle spread rapidly. The first organized procession arrived from nearby Rees in 1643, establishing a tradition that continues to this day. So many pilgrims came that a proper church was needed; construction began in 1643 and was completed by 1645, despite the ongoing war. This became the Kerzenkapelle, the Chapel of the Candles, named for the towering candles offered by parish processions as tokens of gratitude. Each bears a coat of arms identifying its donors, a silent testament to generations of answered prayers. The candle from Rees holds the place of honor before the communion rail. In 1654, the original wayside shrine was enclosed within a new hexagonal chapel, the Gnadenkapelle—Chapel of Grace—designed to protect the sacred image while allowing pilgrims to approach closely. An opening in the northern wall permits viewing from outside, while inside, a narrow passage allows pilgrims to pass directly behind the altar for an intimate encounter with the miraculous print. The ecclesiastical recognition came swiftly. In 1646, the Bishop of Roermond established a community of Oratorian Fathers to serve the growing pilgrimage, and in 1647—just five years after the image was installed—the Synod of Venlo formally approved Kevelaer as a place of pilgrimage after examining Hendrik Busman's sworn testimony. His words, preserved in the official records, conclude: "Everything I have said here actually happened as stated and is the real truth. I, Hendrik Busman, have taken an oath that this is so, in the full knowledge of the consequences of the crime of perjury. I say this to the increase of the glory of God and of His Holy Virgin Mother." By the mid-19th century, the pilgrimage had outgrown its facilities. Between 1858 and 1864, the magnificent Marienbasilika rose on Kapellenplatz according to plans by Vincenz Statz, architect of Cologne Cathedral. Its 90-meter tower, completed in 1884, became the defining landmark of Kevelaer. Pope Pius XI elevated the church to the status of Minor Basilica in 1923, while Pope Leo XIII had earlier authorized the solemn coronation of the miraculous image in 1892, recognizing centuries of devotion and answered prayers. The shrine's significance was affirmed in the 20th century by papal visits. On May 2, 1987, Pope John Paul II came to Kevelaer during his pastoral visit to Germany, praying before the Gnadenkapelle and offering his own rosary to Our Lady—a gift still visible alongside the miraculous image today. That same year, during the Marian World Congress, both Mother Teresa and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (the future Pope Benedict XVI) also made pilgrimage to this humble shrine. Through nearly four centuries, pilgrims have journeyed to Kevelaer seeking what Mechel's vision promised: the tender consolation of Mary. They come with sick children and broken hearts, with prayers for healing and thanksgiving for graces received. The ex-votos covering the walls of the Gnadenkapelle—crutches, plaques, photographs, jewelry—speak more eloquently than any chronicle of the faith that draws over a million souls here each year.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Kevelaer

Kevelaer's sacred sites cluster around the Kapellenplatz, the expansive cobblestone square that serves as the spiritual heart of the town. At its center stands the hexagonal Gnadenkapelle, flanked by the Kerzenkapelle to the south and the soaring Marienbasilika dominating the eastern edge. The intimate scale of the original shrines contrasts beautifully with the neo-Gothic grandeur of the basilica, creating a pilgrimage ensemble that moves from the most personal encounter with the miraculous image to the overwhelming liturgical celebrations that fill the great church on feast days. Wandering the square, you'll notice pilgrims lighting candles at outdoor stations, queuing quietly to enter the Chapel of Grace, or sitting in silent reflection on benches facing the shrine.

Gnadenkapelle (Chapel of Grace)

Local Name: Gnadenkapelle Address: Kapellenplatz, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany GPS Coordinates: 51.58461, 6.24461 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: www.wallfahrt-kevelaer.de Dedication: Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted (Consolatrix Afflictorum) Historical Note: The hexagonal Chapel of Grace was built in 1654 to enclose Hendrik Busman's original wayside shrine from 1642. The distinctive six-sided design with its domed roof has remained essentially unchanged for over 360 years. Three doors on the southern side allow pilgrims to enter, while a semicircular opening on the northern wall permits the devout to view the miraculous image from outside—a practical accommodation for the vast numbers who come daily. Behind the altar, a narrow ambulatory allows pilgrims to pass within inches of the sacred image for personal prayer. Spiritual Importance: This is the destination of every Kevelaer pilgrimage—the small chapel containing the original copper engraving of Our Lady of Luxembourg that Mechel Busman obtained in 1642. The image measures just 75mm by 110mm, yet it has been the focus of countless prayers and the source of numerous miracles. Mary is depicted crowned, wearing a wide open cloak, holding the crowned Christ Child with a globe on her left arm and a scepter in her right hand. In the background, the city of Luxembourg and its Marian shrine are visible. The Latin inscription reads: "True picture of the Mother of Jesus, Comforter of the Afflicted." Pope Leo XIII authorized the solemn coronation of the image in 1892. Behind the protective glass, you'll notice Pope John Paul II's rosary, offered during his 1987 visit, along with precious ex-votos and a gift from Luxembourg inscribed: "A token of love from the mother to the daughter." A perpetual lamp to the left of the altar contains a flame brought from Lourdes via Altötting in 1949, carried by three doves symbolizing these three great places of Marian grace.

Kerzenkapelle (Chapel of the Candles)

Local Name: Kerzenkapelle Sankt Michael Address: Kapellenplatz, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany GPS Coordinates: 51.58436, 6.24456 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Dedication: Saint Michael the Archangel Historical Note: The Candle Chapel is the oldest church on the Kapellenplatz, constructed between 1643 and 1645 to accommodate the surge of pilgrims who arrived even during the Thirty Years' War. For over two centuries it served as the principal pilgrimage church before the basilica was built. The chapel was consecrated in 1647 and received its distinctive name from the enormous votive candles that pilgrimage groups have offered here for generations. Spiritual Importance: Entering the Kerzenkapelle is like stepping into a forest of prayer made visible. Towering candles line the walls, each marked with a coat of arms identifying the parish or pilgrimage group that offered it—some traditions spanning centuries. The candle from Rees, representing the very first organized procession in 1643, occupies the central position of honor. The warmth of the burning candles creates an almost tangible sense of accumulated devotion, of generations lifting their prayers to heaven. Pilgrims continue to light their own candles here, joining their intentions to this centuries-long chain of supplication and thanksgiving.

Marienbasilika (Basilica of St. Mary)

Local Name: Basilika St. Marien Address: Kapellenplatz 35, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany GPS Coordinates: 51.58450, 6.24455 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: www.wallfahrt-kevelaer.de Dedication: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Historical Note: The neo-Gothic basilica was constructed between 1858 and 1864 under architect Vincenz Statz, who also worked on Cologne Cathedral. Approximately six million bricks were used in its construction. The striking four-story western tower, rising 90 meters with its needle-like spire, was added between 1883 and 1884, giving Kevelaer its iconic silhouette visible across the flat Lower Rhine landscape. Pope Pius XI elevated the church to Minor Basilica status on April 23, 1923. Spiritual Importance: The interior of the basilica is breathtaking. Friedrich Stummel of Münster and his workshop created the magnificent polychrome paintings that cover the vault caps, wall pillars, and spandrels—a complete visual catechesis centering on Mary's role in salvation history. The design draws inspiration from Paris's Sainte-Chapelle, using brilliant colors and gold to lift the spirit heavenward. The basilica organ, built in 1907 by Romanus Seifert of Kevelaer, contains 135 registers, making it one of the largest German-Romantic organs in the world. The patronal feast of the Assumption reminds pilgrims of the ultimate goal of their earthly journey. Four times each year—on the feasts of the Visitation, Assumption, Nativity of Mary, and All Saints—the Apostolic Blessing is bestowed here, a privilege granted by Pope Leo XIII in 1884 that makes Kevelaer unique among German-speaking pilgrimage sites.

Priesterhaus and Pilgrimage Museum

Address: Kapellenplatz 20, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany GPS Coordinates: 51.58485, 6.24425 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Historical Note: The Priesterhaus (Priests' House) was originally built by the Oratorians in 1647, directly across from the Chapel of Grace. Today it houses the pilgrimage administration and the Museum of Devotional Objects, which displays centuries of pilgrimage artifacts, ex-votos, and religious art related to Kevelaer's history. Spiritual Importance: The museum offers pilgrims deeper context for what they encounter at the shrines—the development of devotion to Our Lady of Kevelaer, the art of popular piety, and the material culture of pilgrimage through the centuries.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

September 8 – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Gnadenkapelle and Marienbasilika. This is the principal feast day of the Kevelaer pilgrimage, commemorating the date when the first recorded miracle occurred in 1642. Solemn Masses fill the basilica throughout the day, while thousands of pilgrims from across Germany and the Netherlands process through the streets singing "Gelobt seist du, Maria!" (Praised be you, Mary!). The Apostolic Blessing is bestowed in the afternoon. August 15 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Marienbasilika. The patronal feast of the basilica draws enormous crowds for the solemn High Mass and procession. The Assumption is celebrated with particular joy as it represents the fulfillment of Mary's earthly pilgrimage and the hope of all who journey to her shrine. The Apostolic Blessing is given following the principal Mass.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Hotel Klostergarten ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Basilikastraße 6, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany 🌐 Website: www.hotel-klostergarten.eu 🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com Barrier-free 3-star Superior hotel in the heart of Kevelaer, just 700 meters from the Marienbasilika. The former monastery setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for pilgrims, with comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet. Parkhotel Kevelaer 📍 Address: Bahnstraße 44, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany 🌐 Website: www.parkhotel-kevelaer.de Privately run hotel in the town center, just a 10-minute walk from Kevelaer train station and a short walk to the pilgrimage sites. Known for comfortable rooms and attentive service. Stadthotel am Bühnenhaus ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Bury-St-Edmunds-Straße 13, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany 🌐 Website: www.stadthotel-kevelaer.de Family-run 3-star hotel in the pilgrimage town offering varied breakfast buffets and free parking. The train station is just 600 meters away, making it convenient for pilgrims arriving by rail. Elaya Hotel Kevelaer ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Solegarten St. Jakob 2, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany 🌐 Website: www.elaya-hotels.com/kevelaer Modern hotel located within the Solegarten St. Jakob spa park on the outskirts of town. The contemporary design and wellness surroundings offer a restful complement to pilgrimage activities, with the town center a short walk away. Hotel zur Brücke 📍 Address: Gelderner Straße 43, 47623 Kevelaer, Germany Charming guesthouse situated near the Dutch border, surrounded by beautiful Lower Rhine scenery. Just 15 minutes' drive from Weeze Airport, with a pleasant garden and friendly atmosphere.

🚗 Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport is Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Kevelaer. Weeze Airport (NRN), also known as Niederrhein Airport, is much closer at just 10 kilometers and is served by budget airlines. From either airport, rental cars are available, or travelers can connect to Kevelaer by train. By Train: Kevelaer has its own train station on the RE10 regional line connecting Düsseldorf to Kleve. Direct trains from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof take approximately one hour. The pilgrimage sites are a 10-minute walk from the station. Connections from Amsterdam via Arnhem and Kleve are also possible. By Car: From Düsseldorf, take the A57 motorway north toward Krefeld and Kleve, exiting at Kevelaer (Exit 4). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. From the Netherlands, Kevelaer is easily accessible via the A73 from Nijmegen. Ample parking is available in the town center near Kapellenplatz. By Bus: Regional bus services connect Kevelaer with surrounding towns in the Lower Rhine region. Check the VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) network for current schedules.

📚 Further Reading

Books:

  • Hedwig Röckelein, Reliquientranslationen nach Sachsen im 9. Jahrhundert – Academic study including context on Lower Rhine Marian devotions.
  • Various authors, Kevelaer: Wallfahrt und Gnadenort – German-language guide to the pilgrimage with historical and devotional essays.

Articles & Online Resources:

🎥 Recommended Videos

🔗 Useful Links

🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations

Kevelaer's location in the Lower Rhine region places it within reach of several other significant Catholic sites. Xanten, 25 kilometers to the south, preserves the memory of St. Victor and the Theban Legion with its magnificent Gothic cathedral. Kalkar, just 10 kilometers north, contains one of Germany's finest collections of late-medieval religious art in its parish church of St. Nicolai. Across the nearby Dutch border, the Marian shrine at Handel draws pilgrims to another beloved image of Our Lady.

🪶 Closing Reflection

"Everything I have said here actually happened as stated and is the real truth. I, Hendrik Busman, have taken an oath that this is so, in the full knowledge of the consequences of the crime of perjury. I say this to the increase of the glory of God and of His Holy Virgin Mother."

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— Sworn Testimony of Hendrik Busman, Synod of Venlo, 1647-en.html)