Warfhuizen, Netherlands — Catholic Pilgrimage Guide

In 2003, a life-size Spanish processional statue of Our Lady of Sorrows arrived at a converted Reformed church in this remote Groningen village—and pilgrims began to follow. Carved by Sevillian sculptor Miguel Bejarano Moreno, the statue called the Sorrowful Mother of Warfhuizen transformed the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Garden Enclosed into the most unlikely pilgrimage destination in the Netherlands. Brother Hugo, who made his perpetual vows as a hermit in 2012, maintains the ancient Dutch hermit tradition that had been dormant since 1930. Pilgrims come from across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to pray before the weeping Mother and exchange handkerchiefs—a unique custom where visitors bring a new cloth to replace the one Mary holds to wipe her tears, then give the exchanged cloth to the sick.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The hermitage in Warfhuizen represents a continuation of the ancient Dutch hermit tradition that had been dormant since 1930. In 2001, the old reformed church in Warfhuizen was converted into a traditional hermitage with adjacent chapel, officially recognized by the Diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden. The turning point came in 2003 when a life-size Spanish processional statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, carved by Sevillian sculptor Miguel Bejarano Moreno, was placed in the chapel. This statue, named "Our Lady of the Garden Enclosed," became the focal point of devotion. The shrine holds significant relics, including a bone fragment of Saint Boniface of Dokkum (who was martyred nearby in 754 AD), a relic of Saint Benedict of Nursia, and a piece of cloth from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The hermitage is inhabited by Brother Hugo (born 1976), who made his perpetual vows as a hermit on November 18, 2012, in the hands of Bishop Gerard de Korte of Groningen-Leeuwarden.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Warfhuizen

Hermitage of Our Lady of the Garden Enclosed

Kluis/bedevaartkerk Warfhuizen

Dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows (Sorrowful Mother)

Established in 2001 as a traditional hermitage in a former reformed church, the chapel received its famous Spanish Baroque statue in 2003. The shrine contains important relics including Saint Boniface's bone fragment and features a unique Baroque interior reminiscent of Austrian or Italian sacred art.

Pilgrims visit to pray before the statue of the Sorrowful Mother, participate in the tradition of "swapping the handkerchief," attend Mass, and seek Mary's intercession for children's wellbeing. The hermitage complex includes the main chapel with its cloister fence separating the public area from the hermit's private quarters, the side altar housing the statue, and the reliquary containing saints' relics. Pilgrims can pray the Liturgy of the Hours following the format of Saint John Cassian, with long vigils in morning and evening.

Address Baron van Asbeckweg 13, 9963 PA Warfhuizen, Netherlands GPS 53.342782, 6.425032 Map Google Maps Web beslotentuin.nl

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

September 15 — Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

The patronage feast day marking the end of the pilgrimage season with special celebrations.

Saturday before Mother's Day — Annual Procession

Annual procession from the parish church in Wehe-den Hoorn to the hermitage, followed by Eucharistic Adoration.

Throughout May — Month of Mary

Month of Mary celebrations with the statue wearing the special festive "Staatsiemantel" mantle.

Palm Sunday Eve — Light Procession

Light procession organized by the youth platform of the Diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden.

August 15 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Special Mass and celebrations at the shrine.

🚗 Getting There

By Air: Groningen Eelde Airport is 37 kilometers away. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers the widest international connections, approximately 200 kilometers south.

By Train: The closest stations are Baflo (8.9 km) and Winsum (10 km) on the Groningen-Roodeschool line. From Amsterdam, trains reach Groningen in approximately 2 hours.

By Car: From Groningen, take the N361 north toward Leens. Warfhuizen is signposted from the main road. Free parking is available near the hermitage.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Theaterherberg ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic bed and breakfast set in a garden with family rooms, sun terrace, and barbecue facilities. Located just 60 meters from the village center. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel

Hotel Waddengenot ⭐⭐⭐ — Comfortable hotel located 3.9 km from Warfhuizen, featuring a garden, restaurant, bar, and family rooms. Starting point for the Pieterpad walking route. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel

The Social Hub Groningen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel in Groningen city (24 km from Warfhuizen) with fitness center and business facilities for pilgrims wanting city accommodations. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel

Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Quality hotel located 15 km from Warfhuizen with restaurant facilities and comfortable rooms. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel