Amsterdam, Netherlands
Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.
—Victor Hugo (1802–1885), French playwright and novelist
In 1661, wealthy merchant Jan Hartman purchased property in Amsterdam and created, in his home, a sacred sanctuary that included a magnificent altarpiece, Baptism of Christ (1716), by Jacob de Wit, marble columns, and sculptures of angels. Even though Catholicism was banned in Amsterdam in 1578, Hartman’s love for his faith compelled him to allocate the top story of his dignified home as a Catholic church, hidden from view.
If you desire to deepen your religious beliefs, visit the church that one man’s love for his faith built during a time of religious persecution, but know that the stairs to reach the church are quite steep.
Museum Our Lord in the Attic is located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40. Fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and take a taxi, bus, or rental car to the church. It is also a short walk from Central Station/Damrak.
Take at least an hour to see everything. Answer the question: what can I do, inwardly and outwardly, to deepen my love for my faith and to put my love into actions that will benefit others? Follow your answers with an action list.
Museum Our Lord in the Attic served Amsterdam’s Catholic community for two hundred years before other churches were built.