Pilgrimage Bethen (Cross Campaign Commemoration Pilgrimage 2026)

The Northernmost Marian Pilgrimage Site in Germany

The Pilgrimage Bethen is one of the most traditional Marian pilgrimages in Northern Germany and is considered the northernmost Marian pilgrimage site in Germany. The venue is the Basilica of St. Mary in Bethen, part of Cloppenburg — an important pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Münster. Pilgrims from all over the Oldenburg Münsterland and beyond come to Bethen to participate in devotions, pilgrimage masses, and processions.

90 Years of the Cross Campaign — Historical Commemoration 2026

2026 is a special year for the pilgrimage: on November 18, 2026, it will be the 90th anniversary of the Cross Campaign of November 18, 1936. At that time, Nazi authorities attempted to remove crosses from schools in the Oldenburg region — a measure that led to massive public protests in the predominantly Catholic Oldenburg Münsterland and forced the regime to back down. The Cross Campaign is considered one of the most successful examples of civil resistance against Nazi religious policy. The 2026 pilgrimage will particularly commemorate this historical event.

Pilgrimages Throughout the Year

The pilgrimage season extends throughout the year and includes numerous themed pilgrimages:

• St. Anthony Tuesdays — Devotions to Saint Anthony
• Riders and Drivers Pilgrimage — for riders and carriage drivers
• Motorcycle and Car Pilgrimage — Blessing of vehicles and devotion for drivers
• Bicycle Pilgrimage — Pilgrimage to the Basilica by bicycle
• Marksmen Pilgrimage — Pilgrimage of the marksmen's brotherhoods of the Oldenburg Münsterland

Date and Information

Season opener April 29, 2026; various themed pilgrimages throughout the year; Cross Campaign commemoration November 18, 2026. Current dates and detailed program: stmarien-bethen.de.