Seven Church Visitation (Holy Thursday)
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What is the "Seven Church Visitation"?
From "todayscatholic.org:"
"At the end of the Holy Thursday Mass, the Eucharist is placed on a temporary “altar of repose” away from the sanctuary. It is customary for the faithful to process together to this altar and spend time in quiet prayer and adoration. In the Roman Missal, it states: “The faithful are invited to continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable length of time during the night, according to circumstance.”
The Seven Churches Visitation is a tradition that grew out of this time of prayer and adoration. Pilgrims are invited to visit other altars of repose (traditionally 7, or 14, or however many you are able to visit) to pray and to remember Christ's journey to the Cross.
There are no "required" prayers, but it is recommended to read the accompanying scriptures for each station. After spending some time in private prayer, pilgrims will journey to the next church.
Traditionally, this has been practiced in countries where the people could walk from church to church. Since our pilgrimage will require more travel, our time at each church will be short. We expect to begin at 8:30pm (after 7:00pm Mass at St. Anne) and end at St. James Catholic Church by 11:30pm.
Yes, it is a long night.
Yes, you will be tired the next day.
Yes, it is absolutely worth the sacrifice.
The booklet linked below has an in depth description of the practice, as well as the scriptures to accompany each station. If you sign up ahead of time, these booklets will be printed for you. -
How to participate?We hope to assemble a group to participate together.
If you would like to join the carpool, please signup here.
If you would like to drive and can take others with you, please contact Renee to have your car added to the list.
If you would rather drive separately with your family, you are welcome to do so. I will provide the directions and any details you need. This option would allow you to customize the visit to your family's needs. (For exmple, families with small children may choose to visit fewer churches, spending more time at each, or may choose to go home earlier than the carpool.) Please signup at the link above so we know you are with us! -
What do I need to do/bring?
There is no cost to participate and no materials necessary. Just get in the car and go with the flow!
Optionally, you may choose to bring a rosary or other devotion you want to pray at each station. Remember you will only have a few minutes, though, so plan for short prayers.
As for attire, please remember that you will be visiting Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament at these Altars of Repose. We also are entering the most sacred time of year. While comfort should be considered, it is most important that modesty and reverence be observed.
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