The Brabant capital ‘s-Hertogenbosch holds an annual pilgrimage. This usually takes place on the second Sunday of May.
After a Eucharist service in St. John's, a procession will follow through the city centre. This will conclude at the cathedral, where the song of Our Sweet Lady of Den Bosch will be sung.
The procession centres on the image of the Sweet Mother, which usually has a prominent place in the cathedral. The effigy of Mary joins the procession with members of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Den Bosch. Clergy, representatives of various guilds and members of other brotherhoods also take part in the pilgrimage.
The image of the Sweet Mother is wearing a cloak, designed by Margriet Luyen (1952). The cloak is named “Hope and Comfort”. Mary wears this cloak during Lent and in the month of May.
The history of the Maria-omgang (Mary's procession) of ‘s-Hertogenbosch dates back to the 14th century.
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