This BLOG is written by Robert, founding host of The First Supper, a heartwarming hospitality community cherishing Christian traditions in contemporary Amsterdam.
It was 9.25 PM, 16th of March. The first ‘First Supper’ guests jointly walked onto the Spui, in front of Begijnhof, in Amsterdam centre, to start ‘Stille Omgang’. Earlier that evening, during a tasty home-cooked supper at our family table, prepared by Ryon and Sachiko, Liam nourished our hearts with the remarkable story of the Miracle of Amsterdam and everything that followed.
What we learned is that the Miracle took place in 1345. The Miracle had to do with a host offered as a last sacrament to an elderly man. The host ended up in his fireplace. Miraculously, the following day, the host was found untouched by the fire, and it miraculously found its way back from the church, to which it was returned twice. Officiously acknowledged as a miracle, it was a big, big thing in those days.
In 1345, Amsterdam was still a sleepy fisherman town of maybe two thousand inhabitants. But then the Miracle turned the man’s home, located between Rokin and Kalverstraat, into a magnetic pilgrimage destination. Pilgrims would arrive by foot via the Heilige Weg, which extended well into what today is Overtoom. For pilgrims, Amsterdam became the way to come closer to God and find meaning and direction in life. In the centuries following, Amsterdam became a magnet for 10.000’s of people from all nations.
There were more than 25 monasteries in Amsterdam centre to provide hospitality and support to those pilgrims. As far as we know people would come to the table in monasteries, churches, Amsterdam homes and in all kinds of hospitable places along Heilige Weg. The pilgrim influx must have had a big impact on the development of Amsterdam, and planted the seed for this city to become a welcoming place attracting people from all nations.
Back to the present, the story was fresh in our minds as we walked the Stille Omgang, a procession honouring the Miracle of Amsterdam. We walked along the route where the miraculous hostie had found its way, via Begijnhof and the man’s home, along Kalverstraat to church, and back to his home via Warmoestraat. The walk got even more magical as waves of pilgrim groups from cities and churches across the country joined the Stille Omgang throughout the night.
For one evening we were modern day pilgrims, we lived the traditions of the pilgrims that came to this city centuries ago. Like them, we were welcomed as we all came from different life directions. Like them, we found ourselves nourished in our stomachs and hearts at the same table. Like them, we walked in silence to listen, without being distracted by an otherwise busy, worldly Amsterdam city. Like them, we found peace in prayer and visiting historic Papegaai- and Begijnhof chapels. Like them, in our conversations, we learned Amsterdam is a place that attracts us, and like them we long to find deeper connections and meaning in life in Amsterdam.
As for The First Supper: We planted a seed in fruitful ground. We lived the Christian traditions from centuries ago in a contemporary way. We broke bread and welcomed everybody ‘at the table’ regardless of faith or background. We ‘build bonds’ in a safe space to connect, share, and listen, with space for plenty of laughter. We ‘nourished our hearts’ in conversation, meditation and prayer, walking in silence, discussing faith in a helpful, safe and inclusive way, with respect for each other’s personal journey. This is our mission: To break bread, build bonds, and nourish the heart. As the founding host, I felt blessed and deeply thankful with this special evening.
Together, we awakened an appetite for upcoming events among those who could attend and got the interest of quite a few who could not. We have started a tradition of welcoming people to the table, walking together, and deepening connection as modern-day pilgrims. Next year, Stille Omgang coincides with Amsterdam 750 years. Mark your calendars.
Thank you for reading this post, thank you for your support, and thank you for bringing The First Supper and this first blog to the attention of others 🙂
Warm regards, Robert
Founding Host ‘The First Supper’
