Seven Visits: A Living Tradition of Holy Thursday

As Holy Week approaches, the Church invites us not just to remember the Passion of Our Lord, but to enter into it more deeply through her devotions. One beautiful and often overlooked tradition is the Seven Visits to the Churches.

This custom, long promoted by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, invites the faithful to accompany Jesus on the night of Holy Thursday. After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, churches remain open for prayer. The faithful then visit seven churches in succession, keeping watch with Christ in His agony.

This tradition is more than symbolic—it helps structure our prayer, focus our hearts, and meditate on Christ’s hidden sufferings as He entered His Passion.

At St. John Cantius in Chicago, this devotion has grown again. Each year, thousands take part in the Seven Visits, moving from church to church in prayerful silence. What was once nearly lost is now being rediscovered as a powerful way to enter into the mystery of Holy Week.

For those who wish to take part, a helpful booklet called Seven Visits is available. It offers prayers and reflections for each stop along the pilgrimage, rooted in Scripture and the Church’s liturgy. It is a guide for individuals, families, and groups seeking a deeper devotion on this sacred night.

You can access the booklet here:

https://www.staugustineacademypress.com/seven-visits/

As Holy Thursday draws near, we invite all the faithful to rediscover this meaningful tradition.