Pilgrimage Bethen (Cross Campaign Commemoration Pilgrimage 2026)
Pilgrimage Season 2026 in Bethen — 90th Anniversary of the Cross Campaign of November 18, 1936
About Pilgrimage Bethen 2026
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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.
Pilgrimage Bethen 2026 — edition 2026
The parish of St. Mary Bethen and the Diocese of Münster will publish the final 2026 pilgrimage program with all themed pilgrimages and special events on stmarien-bethen.de.
Programme Pilgrimage Bethen 2026 2026
Pilgrimage Program 2026 — Key Points
The exact 2026 program with all themed pilgrimages will be published by the pilgrimage office in spring 2026. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- April 29, 2026: Pilgrimage Season Opener
- Tuesdays Throughout the Year: St. Anthony Tuesdays — weekly devotions to Saint Anthony
- Spring/Summer: Riders and Drivers Pilgrimage — Pilgrimage and blessing of horses and carriages
- Summer: Motorcycle and Car Pilgrimage — Blessing of vehicles and devotion for drivers
- Summer: Bicycle Pilgrimage — Pilgrimage to Bethen by bicycle
- Late Summer/Autumn: Marksmen Pilgrimage — Pilgrimage of the marksmen's brotherhoods of the Oldenburg Münsterland
- November 18, 2026: Cross Campaign Commemoration — 90th anniversary of the public protests against the removal of school crosses in 1936
Background: Cross Campaign 1936
On November 4, 1936, Nazi Gauleiter Carl Röver ordered the removal of crosses from schools in the Oldenburg region. The Catholic population of the Oldenburg Münsterland — Cloppenburg, Vechta, Bethen — organized massive protests that forced the Nazi regime to back down. The decree was rescinded on November 25, 1936. The Cross Campaign is considered one of the most successful examples of civil resistance against Nazi religious policy.
Highlights Pilgrimage Bethen 2026 2026
Prices Pilgrimage Bethen 2026 2026
Practical information — Pilgrimage Bethen 2026
Location
Basilica of St. Mary, Bethen (part of Cloppenburg, Cloppenburg district, Lower Saxony). 49661 Cloppenburg.
Date 2026
Season opener April 29, 2026. Themed pilgrimages distributed throughout the year. Cross Campaign Commemoration Pilgrimage around November 18, 2026.
Admission
Free admission. Donations for the parish and pilgrimage work are welcome.
Getting There
Bethen is located northeast of Cloppenburg's city center. Arrive by car via the L 836; ample parking spaces around the Basilica. By bicycle via the cycle path network of the Oldenburg Münsterland.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Pilgrimage Bethen 2026 al mejor precio.
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