Germany - Kevelaer, Kerzenkapelle St. Michael

Kevelaer is one of the most famous and largest Marian pilgrimage sites in Germany. Probably the most important date for the history of the city is June 1, 1642. Just before Christmas 1641, at the crossroads of the old trade routes Amsterdam-Cologne and Münster-Brussels, the Geldrian merchant Hendrick Busman heard three times the mysterious cry: "On this spot you shall build me a little chapel!".Triggered by these events, he made the decision to heed the call and to built a shrine on that location.

The Kerzenkapelle (Candle Chapel) is the oldest pilgrimage church in Kevelaer, which is why most processions still take place here today. The number of coats of arms, the abundance of candle offerings, windows and signs of thanks document the old tradition of many processions and the liveliness of the pilgrimage.

More than 300 candles from the various pilgrim groups are placed here during the pilgrimage season, showing the connection with Mary of those who have long since returned home. More than 100 candles burn every day during the Marian Praise.