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The Chapel of Mercy, Kevelaer, Germany
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The Chapel of Mercy, Kevelaer, Germany
Kevelaer, a municipality in the district of Kleve, in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. The most-visited Catholic pilgrimage location within north-western Europe, with more than 800, 000 pilgrims visiting every year to honour the Virgin Mary. The shrine of Mary, " Comforter of the Afflicted, " had its origins in the Thirty Years War (1618- 1648), which had devastated the region. In 1642, Heinrich Busman, a merchant, obtained an engraving of Mary pictured in front of the city of Luxembourg, and installed it in a shrine at the crossing of the Cologne-Amsterdam trade route. In 1654, the Chapel of Mercy (pictured on this card), a hexagonal structure, was erected to house the picture (inset top right); the image has remained in that shrine. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 11579337
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Catholicism Chapel Hexagonal Ladys Marys Mercy Pilgrim Pilgrimage Pilgrims Shrine Virgin
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Chapel of Mercy, Kevelaer, Germany: A Beacon of Faith and Devotion Nestled in the picturesque town of Kevelaer, in the district of Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia, lies a remarkable Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that has drawn over 800,000 visitors annually. Known as the Gnadenkapelle or Chapel of Mercy, this hexagonal structure is the most-visited Catholic pilgrimage location within north-western Europe. The origins of the Chapel of Mercy can be traced back to the devastating Thirty Years War (1618-1648), which left the region in ruins. In 1642, Heinrich Busman, a local merchant, obtained an engraving of the Virgin Mary, titled 'Comforter of the Afflicted,' and installed it in a shrine at the crossing of the Cologne-Amsterdam trade route. This humble beginning marked the start of a spiritual journey that would endure for centuries. In 1654, the Chapel of Mercy was erected to house the revered image. The hexagonal structure, with its distinctive red-brick exterior and white-washed interior, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the people. The image of the Virgin Mary, which is depicted with her right hand extended in a gesture of blessing, remains in the shrine to this day. The Chapel of Mercy, which dates back to the 1650s, is a significant historical and religious site. It has been a source of comfort and solace for pilgrims from all walks of life, who come to seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The image of Mary, with her compassionate gaze and outstretched hand, continues to inspire hope and healing for those who visit this sacred place. This photograph, taken in the 1910s, captures the essence of the Chapel of Mercy, with its intricate details and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds it. The image of the Virgin Mary, housed within, remains a beacon of faith and devotion, drawing pilgrims from near and far to seek her comfort and mercy.
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