Netherlands Archives

A year into lockdown, Church in Netherlands fears permanent decline

Mar 13, 2021

One year after the first ecclesial lockdown came into effect in the Netherlands, “ordinary parish life is partly falling away” and the crisis is accelerating the already existing problem of secularization.

By Francesco Paloni - Katholiek Nieuwsblad

Potential Trappists offered virtual introduction to religious life with ‘eNovice’

Feb 7, 2021

Koningshoeven Abbey in The Netherlands has launched an online platform for aspiring monks: eNovice. This digital novitiate is a world first, according to the Dutch Trappists.

By Selinde van Dijk-Kroesbergen - Katholiek Nieuwsblad

Vatican reaffirms non-supernatural origins of alleged Marian apparition in Amsterdam

Jan 1, 2021

The Dutch diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam has affirmed the negative Vatican verdict on the alleged mid-20th-century apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in Amsterdam. These alleged apparitions became known as the “Lady of All Nations,” a devotion that has since spread across the borders of the Netherlands.

By Peter Doorakkers – Katholiek Nieuwsblad

Dutch bishop to conduct ‘drive-in Mass’ on Christmas Eve

Dec 15, 2020

On Monday evening, the Dutch government announced that the current COVID-19 regulations will not be relaxed during the holiday season. This also means only thirty people will be allowed at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

By Katholiek Nieuwsblad

Dutch Protestant Church admits failing Jews in World War II

Nov 9, 2020

The Dutch Protestant Church made a far-reaching recognition of guilt Sunday for its failure to do more to help Jews during and after World War II, and for the church’s role in preparing ”the ground in which the seeds of anti-Semitism and hatred could grow.”

By Mike Corder

Dutch university can no longer call itself ‘Catholic’

Oct 29, 2020

The Radboud University is one of just two Catholic universities in the Netherlands. The Dutch bishops have now decided that it may no longer call itself Catholic.

By Katholiek Nieuwsblad

Dutch cardinal: Euthanasia for children continues ‘slippery slope’

Oct 28, 2020

Proposals to amend Dutch law to allow the euthanasia of children represent the latest descent down the “slippery slope” of the killing of patients by doctors, a cardinal said.

By Simon Caldwell

Dutch parishes deal with renewed limits on numbers at Mass

Oct 24, 2020

It’s a step back for parishes in the Netherlands. All churches in the country were closed from March until June, but restrictions were partly lifted in June and since July a maximum of 100 people – and even more in larger churches – was allowed again.

By Francesco Paloni - Katholiek Nieuwsblad