April 19, 2025

Youth and young adults make Holy Thursday pilgrimage

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

Thirty-five students from the Westfield Catholic community went on the Seven Church Pilgrimage after Holy Thursday Mass. (IObserve photo/courtesy Lisa Laferriere)

SPRINGFIELD – On the night that Catholics commemorate the Last Supper, and the night Jesus was betrayed, the faithful from across the Diocese of Springfield, joined Catholics around the world to “keep watch” with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Several groups set out after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 17, to attend Eucharistic Adoration at the altar of repose at churches across the diocese. Known as the Seven Church Pilgrimage, or Visita Iglesia, the tradition dates back to the early church when Christians visited the seven shrines connected with the Lord’s passion. For centuries pilgrims have continued the tradition visiting the seven basilicas in Rome as a form of penance.

A group of 35 students, largely from St. Mary’s middle and high schools in Westfield, traveled by bus to churches across the diocese.

“This church pilgrimage is a beautiful opportunity to spend time with our Lord in the Garden,” said Eric Laferriere, a grade eight student and member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield.

“It’s a chance to take the time to pray with other faithful throughout the diocese and reflect on what Christ did for us this night and on Good Friday,” he said.

The Westfield Catholic community has been taking youth on this pilgrimage for several years. This year they attended Adoration at St. Mary Parish, Westfield; St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish, Westfield; St. John the Evangelist Parish, Agawam; St. Michael’s Cathedral, Springfield; Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Easthampton; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Westfield; and St. Mary High School Chapel, Westfield. The group finished their pilgrimage close to midnight.

Other groups also participated in the pilgrimage including St. Cecilia’s youth group in Wilbraham and the Young and Catholic Group, Hampden County Chapter.

“It’s always a blessing to spend time with the Lord while meditating on his Passion, to give thanks for his sacrifice, and to see the diverse parishes both in terms of architecture and people within the diocese,” said Alex Coverdill, of Young and Catholic.

Holy Thursday is the night when Jesus instituted the sacraments of the Eucharist and the priesthood. It is the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before he was arrested.