Catholic Churches & Shrines in Aruba

About Aruba:

Part of the Lesser Antilles, the island of Aruba lies a few miles north of Venezuela. Aruba is an independent country within the Netherlands and, as you might expect, the major language spoken here is Dutch. It is a popular vacation destination and also a major cruise ship port as well. The island has a large Catholic population.

The Lourdes Grotto:

The grotto is built into the rocks in Seroe Preto (black hill) near San Nicolas. It was created under the guidance of a priest named “Erkamp”. A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was hoisted into place in the grotto. On February 11, feast of Lady of Lourdes), a procession leaves from the St. Theresita church in San Nicolas to the grotto, where Mass is held.

Catholic Churches on Aruba:

There are three main Catholic churches on the island.  Click on the map icons below for addresses.

Saint Franciscus Church (Saint Francis Cathedral) is the main Catholic church in Oranjestad, which is the capital of Aruba.  They have a Monday morning Mass at 7:00 a.m., and then Masses on Sundays at 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Masses are not in English.

Tel +297 (582-1434)

Saint Anna Church in Noord is also a favorite of visitors, and is close to many of the resorts on the island. The church was rebuilt two times, once in 1831 and again in 1886. The Church was constructed between 1914 and 1919. The carved oak retable in St. Anna is a fine example of neo-Gothic sculpture. It was created in 1865 by Hendrikus van der Geld. They originated in the Netherlands, in the province of North-Brabant. Saint Anna Church has Masses in English on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tel: +297 (587) 1409

Virgin of Fatima Church in Oranjestad, Milonstraat 9, Oranjestad, Aruba

Tel: +297 (582) 2525

Traveling to Aruba:

Many international airlines serve Queen Beatrix Airport on Aruba. It is also a very popular cruise port.

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