seven church walk

Church Walk Is ‘Crowning Touch of Lent’ for Young Adults

By Henrietta Gomes
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 4/5/07)

With the scent of the cherry blossoms filling the air and the bright sun shining on their faces, about 200 energetic young adults from the Diocese of Arlington and Archdiocese of Washington trekked around the nation’s capital for a seven-hour walking pilgrimage modeled after the Seven Church Walk in Rome. Participants spent the day visiting seven historic churches in the district and praying various devotions to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.
“I encourage you to make an offering to the Lord,” said Msgr. Rob Panke, vocations director of the Archdiocese of Washington, during his homily at the morning Mass at St. Patrick Church near Chinatown, where participants first gathered. He also encouraged the pilgrims to pray for special intentions and to carry along those who were unable to attend. The Mass kicked-off the event sponsored by Christ in the City, a group formed to bring more opportunities for spiritual growth to young adults.
The pilgrims joyfully made their way to St. Joseph Church on Capitol Hill, where they prayed a litany to St. Joseph, head of the Holy Family, for stronger marriages and families.
“This is a great way to lead into Holy Week,” said Scott Gorman, parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Arlington. “For me, with all the busy-ness in the world, it’s hard to sit down and pray and listen.” Gorman, a member of the Legion of Mary at his parish, said the pilgrimage availed the chance to focus on the events of the Paschal Mystery.
Before stopping in front of the Supreme Court building, Msgr. Panke, who led the pilgrimage, reminded the pilgrims to “Pray that the dignity of life may be respected … especially for the unborn that their lives will be protected and cherished.”
Crossing over to Southeast, the young adults made their way to St. Peter Church, where they prayed the Stations of the Cross. “Suffering is the way that Jesus redeemed us,” Msgr. Panke reminded the group. “As we walk this journey let us offer our own suffering generously in love,” he urged the pilgrims.
Stopping for a brief respite, the participants sat on the steps and grassy area outside St. Peter’s and ate lunch.
It was a last-minute decision for Jessenia Gonzalez to attend the pilgrimage, but the parishioner of St. Anthony Church in Falls Church was happy she did. “I’ve been going though a lot of things right now, so it’s been great to spend the day and really reflect on what Jesus did for us,” she said. The pilgrimage helped her remember that “even in trials and sufferings He’s still with us.”
As they walked behind the Capitol building, the spirited pilgrims strolled alongside hundreds of tourists and visitors who came downtown to see cherry blossoms and to participate in the kite festival on the National Mall.
After praying the rosary at Holy Rosary Church, N.W., Ray Auyeung said he was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the day’s events. “It’s a really great way to honor Our Lord and do something for Him for Lent,” said the parishioner of St. Mary Church in Old Town. “It’s been very meditative and enriching,” he said, also conceding that he enjoyed the sights of the District and thanked God for the sunny weather.
Clad in comfortable shoes, Loretta Fleming said although the pilgrimage can be tiring, “it’s worth it to spend a day in prayer. It’s a great gift.” The parishioner of Queen of the Apostles Church in Alexandria said, “We’re praying all the prayers I like to do, and with devoted people it’s uplifting.” Fleming, a native of California, also noted her appreciation for time in fellowship with like-minded people. She added with a smile, “and on such a gorgeous day it isn’t that hard.”
The pilgrims spent about 15 minutes in silent meditation focusing on Christ’s Passion at St. Mary Mother of God Church near Fifth and H Streets, N.W.
“Age doesn’t dictate sanctity,” Msgr. Panke told the young adults as they entered St. Aloysius Church, N.W. He reminded participants that St. Aloysius was a very young saint and that holiness should be sought after at every age. Participants prayed for the Holy Father at the Jesuit-run Church as Jesuits take a fourth vow of particular obedience to the pope.
The sounds of a majestic pipe organ greeted the pilgrims as they walked into Immaculate Conception Church, N.W., where they prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the three o’clock hour, recorded as the time when Jesus took His last breath.
“This is the crowning touch of Lent,” said Kathleen Frank about the pilgrimage. “It’s a great transition into Holy Week. It’s a powerful and great consolation for the sacrifices of Lent, which are purifying and often difficult,” said the parishioner of St. John the Beloved Church in McLean. Frank, who serves as director of campus ministry at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, said, “to be around people who are going through the same thing strengthens you to go through the last stretch of Holy Week.”
The daylong pilgrimage culminated back at St. Patrick, where the attendees prayed in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and ended with benediction.

Christ in the City meets every third Thursday of the month for praise and worship in front of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Patrick Church on G and Tenthth Streets, N.W.
The Diocese of Arlington will hold a shorter pilgrimage for youths on Holy Thursday starting with a Mass at St. Mark Church in Vienna. Instead of walking, however, the youths will be carpooled to seven churches in the diocese and then return to St. Mark before midnight.

Henrietta Gomes can be reached at hgomes@catholicherald.com.