A Surprise in Amsterdam
My journey started in Amsterdam, until recently famously friendly to recreational drug and sex tourism. Perhaps surprisingly, this city of canals is also home to a few Catholic destinations – the main one being St. Nicholas Basilica just a few minutes’ walk from the Central Train station.
The Basilica has a collection of religious murals and above the high altar is the crown of Maximilian I, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1486 - 1519.
In a country with few Catholic churches – most are Protestant -- the Basilica of St. Nicholas is actually the city’s main Catholic Church. Built in 1887, it was only declared a Minor Basilica recently. The Basilica is well worth a visit, especially for Latin Vespers each Sunday at 17:00. I prayed along as they chanted Traditional Gregorian Vespers – a true rarity in the low countries.
The next day began with morning Mass at St. Agnes Church, run by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. Located just 20 minutes via tram from St. Nicholas, the church is – highly unusually for Holland -- staffed by several priests.
Confessions can be heard in either Dutch or English, since English is known and spoken by virtually all of Amsterdam’s residents. The FSSP parish is a true gem of Faith in a country that needs our prayers.
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