Willibrordushuis en Willibrorduskapel
The Hofkwartier with its shops, upstairs apartments, craftsmen and monastery still seems to be the city as it was intended: a colorful mix where spiritual life is also part of the street. One of the oldest streets in The Hague forms an oasis of peace here: the Oude Molstraat. There, at numbers 35 and 37, are the Willibrordus House and the Willibrordus Chapel.
In the 17th century, the Catholics already found a safe haven here. This place is still a spiritual haven, but now with a contemporary twist. For example, the Willibrordushuis houses a craft brewery and a Monastic Store that sells statues and icons, but also wellness products, gingerbread, and of course the home-brewed beer: the Haagsche Broeder. And the Willibrordus chapel is a beautiful municipal monument.
Departure of the Brothers of St. John from The Hague
In 1988, the buildings were acquired by the municipality of Willibrordus, after which the Willibrordus House and the Willibrordus Chapel are named. They then came under the administration of the St. John family, a Catholic parish. Several brothers now live in the Willibrordus House. They organize activities such as retreats and lectures on philosophy and art. They also brew beer. The Brothers of St. John have decided to leave The Hague as a religious community. Although this official departure has taken place, the brothers will remain closely involved with the Willibrordus House during this transitional period. They will continue to celebrate weekly Sunday Mass and some services and activities until the end of March 2026. Read more about the decision here. The Day Chapel (entrance at Oude Molstraat 37) will remain open daily, Monday through Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, for silent prayer and private adoration.
Secret Church during the Reformation
Whoever enters the Oude Molstraat in the Hofkwartier should really look up. Otherwise, the facade of the Willibrordus chapel with the Willibrordus statue and the stained glass window will not stand out. That facade has not always been this way. Long ago, the buildings behind the two house numbers together formed the patrician house Huis te Baertwijck.
Around 1580, during the Reformation, Holy Mass was banned for Catholics, because Protestantism became the official religion. A disaster for the members of the parish of St. Jacob in The Hague, who until then massively visited the Grote or St. Jacobskerk on the Riviervismarkt. Their church became Protestant. But they did not let themselves be crushed: hidden churches popped up behind numerous facades in The Hague. The parishioners of St. Jacob received part of Huis te Baertwijck as a hidden church. Remains of this are still visible in the dining room of the current Willibrordushuis.
Loving sisters
The hidden church remained in use for a long time. It was not until 1806 that the Netherlands gained religious freedom thanks to Louis Napoleon. The small church was bursting at the seams, until the solution presented itself in 1878: the St. Jacobus church on Parkstraat, built under the architecture of Pierre Cuypers, was opened.
In 1842, the left part of Huis te Baertwijck had already been transformed into a convent for the Sisters of Charity from Tilburg, who devoted themselves with great dedication to education and the care of the sick in the city. A school building was erected again to the left of that house. The Sisters of Charity remained the users and residents of these buildings until 1988.
Beautiful Willibrordus Chapel
Catholic strongholds developed in the center in two places: here in the Oude Molstraat and in the Assendelftstraat near the Prinsengracht. After a few renovations, the right part of Huis te Baertwijck underwent a major metamorphosis in 1928: a beautiful convent chapel was built on the first floor for the Sisters of Charity, designed by Jos Duynstee. He was also the architect of many shops and churches in The Hague and of the extension of the Passage. The Hague artist Lou Asperslagh was hired for the murals of the Willibrordus Chapel. The Willibrordus Chapel is open every day, be sure to take a look and breathe in the peaceful atmosphere. You can pray, but you don't have to.
Haagsche Broeder Beer
The Haagsche Broeder Brewery has a charming tasting room at Noordeinde 14a. The beers are still brewed in the Willibrordushuis, the historic monastery on Oude Molstraat. You can sample Hague monastery beers like the Prior, as well as local cider and wines from local merchants. Every Thursday at 4:00 PM, there's a tour of the monastery and brewery.
