Experiencing the Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches: A guide on Holy Thursday in Chicago

As Holy Thursday is quickly approaching, I am taking the chance to talk about a tradition my family has done for as long as I can remember. It's to visit seven churches after Holy Thursday Mass. Holy Thursday Mass is no ordinary Mass it doesn't close like the usual daily/sunday masses but almost as if it keeps going. The lights dim and there is a certain blanket of darkness that fills the air. It almost wraps you in it. And then you see Jesus so bright and magnificent. Just so beautiful.

St. Hyacinth Basilica

So you might be wondering what is this pilgrimage to seven churches on Holy Thursday? I got you! I did some research because growing up doing it year after year, I always ask what the significance is to my mom because I always forget. And she always has a great answer but you guessed it. I don't remember. And this tradition has been in my family ever since I can remember.

I looked back to the reflection guide we use every year and it starts with Jesus telling his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane "“Remain here and keep watch with me” Matthew 26:38. And then... they fell asleep... they fell asleep! They fell asleep from grief. Pretty understandable, it's like when you lose someone so close to you and you cry for hours and hours until you're filled with exhaustion that your body literally cannot function anymore you fall asleep. I can relate. And Jesus was like I'm still here, wake up you don't want to go through a test. Back tracking a bit to when Jesus told them to basically to pray and keep watch. That was the premise of the visitation of the seven churches. You keep watch throughout the night when Jesus is in the Garden and visit the seven churches. I'm not sure where the seven comes into play... well it is a number that comes up a lot in the Bible... but I'll do some digging and get back to you on that. I did find out that this tradition is typically credited to Saint Philip Neri back in the 1500s. He is known as the second apostle of Rome, he would lead a pilgrimage to the four major basilicas and three other minor basilicas. You can actually follow his footsteps today! I would love to do it one day. It covers about 12 miles, that's a pretty nice workout if you ask me. Sr Mary Claire on Blessed is She says, "It winds through the heart of Rome, visiting the churches where Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Sebastian, Saint Justin, and Saint Lawrence are buried. That pilgrimage has expanded in Rome during Lent, with the tradition of the “Station Churches” where each day of Lent there is a church to visit and pray in." That's pretty cool!

On this day, many pilgrims around the world including here in the US, Poland, Mexico, Italy, and the Philippines do the pilgrimage. I was talking about it yesterday with the Rosary Making group at St. John Cantius and Daniella mentioned how in Mexico during Communion they serve bread because that's where the Eucharist came to be when Jesus said, "This is my body." I was geeking out. And! After mass when people visit the seven churches you get to collect bread that they hand out. I thought that was so cool!

Among all these beautiful traditions, significance, and getting to see really pretty churches and participate in other cultural traditions there is one thing to remember if you want to make this your own personal tradition. Throughout your visit you are intentionally seeking Christ to spend time with Him and contemplating the gift of His love.

This pilgrimage allows us to figuratively walk with Jesus on his path toward his crucifixion, death and resurrection.

I invite you to use this guide I designed using reflections that my family has used all these years. I merely spruced it up and put my design magic on it and also added a Visio Divina to help you sit, see, listen, and be moved by the Holy Spirit.

If you don't know what churches in Chicago to go to this 2024 year I also already called ahead to those who will be having their doors open just for you.

Enjoy!

With Love,

Anais

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