Seven Churches

After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), many churches remain open for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament so that worshippers can pray, reenacting the actions of the apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane, whom Jesus told, “Remain here and keep watch with me” (Mt 26:38).  This tradition is credited to St. Philip Neri and his friends who would prayerfully join together to go on a "pilgrimage" to seven churches. It came out of a desire to increase prayer and keep watch with Jesus through the night. By keeping with this custom, we become pilgrims staying with Christ in the Garden and consoling him in his agony. This pilgrimage will allow us to figuratively walk with Jesus on his path toward his crucifixion, death and resurrection.