Bedevaartskerk H.H. Martelaren van Gorcum

Peace. History of people who stood for their ideals and beliefs. Giving your life in the awareness of your own smallness. Hats off.

Actually, the St. Catharijnekerk, the large or village church of Brielle, also has its counterpart, the Pilgrimage Church H.H. Martelaren van Gorkum, although not such an old (19th century) church, but very beautiful and definitely worth a visit. The history of the Martyrs of Gorcum took place at the time of the rebellion against Spain. A struggle for independence, but there were also religious positions that had been hardened on the eve of the Eighty Years' War. The Iconoclasm raged through the Netherlands in 1566. In 1567, Alva instituted the hated Council of Strokes, which rigorously tried the insurgents and iconoclasts. On April 1, 1572, Brielle was taken by the Water Beggars, led by Lumey. Because of this success, the uprising gained a foothold in the Northern Netherlands. Especially the clergy and the Catholic religion were the targets of the Beggars. Monasteries were closed. Priests and religious were murdered in several places, including Brielle. Many of them therefore sought refuge when the Beggars were approaching. When the Geuzen fleet captured Gorcum on June 26/27, a group of clergy were captured. For almost two weeks, they were tortured, harassed and seduced into renouncing their faith. On July 5, 1572 they were transported by cargo barge to Brielle where Lumey was waiting for them. Four other priests from other places joined their party. In total they were 23 at the time. Finally, 19 martyrs were suspended from the beams of the peat shed. In the 19th century, Catholics bought the land, built a wooden chapel and a courtyard, the so-called torture field. Later, a large stone church was built. On the torture field, the outlines of the peat shed are marked with a concrete edge. In the church there is a reliquary, a kind of cupboard of copper with bones of these people. People have been coming to this place for a long time to pray and honor the memory of these martyrs.

Very special church, and worth it.

Beautiful church with a rich history Annual national pilgrimage Around July 9. Been today every year is again impressive !! Open every afternoon in July and August and free guided tour by a local guide Or to catch your breath after a bike ride

Beautiful pilgrimage church, impressive is also the martyrdom behind the church.