Seven Churches Visitation on Holy Thursday

By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger

A Holy Thursday tradition that began during the Renaissance, “Seven Churches Visitation,” will take place in Davenport and Bettendorf this Holy Thursday (April 17) after a successful experience of the tradition last year.

Father Bruce DeRammelaere, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport, said the concept of the Seven Churches Visitation “is simple. After Mass on Holy Thursday, pilgrims adore Christ at seven different Altars of Repose while praying and reflecting on the passion of Christ.”

The tradition dates back to the 1500s when St. Philip Neri led groups of the faithful to visit each of the seven basilicas of Rome on Holy Thursday night. It was their way of “keeping watch with Christ as though at the Garden of Gethsemane before his passion,” Father DeRammelaere said.

“Each visit calls on the faithful to reflect on the seven final places Jesus went from his arrest on Holy Thursday to his death on Good Friday.”

Participants begin the visitation by choosing the church at which they will start. A worship aid will be available at each of the participating churches. Map your route and invite friends and family, Father DeRammelaere encouraged.

The following churches are participating in the Seven Churches Visitation on Holy Thursday, which begins with adoration. Starting times are approximate, please wait outside the church if Mass is underway:

St. Alphonsus Church, Davenport, 6-9:30 p.m.

St. John Vianney Church, Bettendorf, 7-11 p.m.

St. Anthony Church, Davenport, 8 p.m. to midnight.

St. Paul the Apostle Church, Davenport, 8 p.m. to midnight.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bettendorf, 8 p.m. to midnight.

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport, 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

Holy Family Church, Davenport, 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

Our Lady of Victory Church, Davenport, 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

The handout, available at each church, provides pilgrims with Scripture passages on which to meditate:

1) Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Lk 22:39-46)

2) Jesus before Annas (Jn 18:19-22)

3) Jesus before Caiaphas (Mt 26:63-65)

4) Jesus before Pilate (Jn 18:35-37)

5) Jesus before Herod (Lk 23:8-9; 11)

6) Jesus before Pilate again (Mt 27:22-26)

7) Jesus’s crucifixion and death (Mt 27:27-31)

Turnout for the first Seven Churches Visitation last year was good for a first-time event, Father DeRammelaere said. He thinks more people may participate this year because of the experience of last year’s participants.

Father Nicholas Akindele, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Davenport, said, “For lots of folks I have spoken to, they were very enthusiastic to do it again this year. Aside from the opportunity to visit other churches and view the altar of repose, they found friendships and community while the adoration lasted.”

“We are fortunate in the Quad Cities that we have enough churches located close to one another that we can offer this longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church. It would be great if someday we can make this a bi-state event including the churches from the Illinois side of the Quad Cities,” Father DeRammelaere said. “This is a wonderful, traditional way to honor Holy Thursday. It’s a solemn occasion, but still enjoyable and it’s a night you’ll never forget.”