Bishop James A. Tamayo invites the diocesan community to visit with the Blessed Sacrament at the San Agustín Cathedral on Holy Thursday. After the 7:00 p.m. Mass in the Santa Monica Parish Hall, Fr. Iden Bello, pastor of San Agustín, will open the cathedral from 8:15 p.m. until midnight, as it is tradition to visiting seven churches during Holy Thursday.

This is also an opportunity to pray in solidarity with the parishioners of Notre Dame Cathedral. Even though both cathedrals are closed due to preservation and present conditions, God is still present in our communities giving us hope and reminding us of the restoration to come.

Holy Thursday pilgrimage to seven churches

The feast of Holy Thursday opens one of the shortest but most profound seasons in the Church, that of the Holy Triduum. This short season includes Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. The Mass celebrated on Holy Thursday calls us to remember the Lord's Last Supper with his disciples and the Institution of the holy Eucharist. 

After Mass on Holy Thursday, it is customary to have a time of meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. The tradition of visiting seven churches is inspired by scenes of Scripture, calling to mind Jesus' words at the Last Supper, "Do this in memory of me," as well as his words during the Agony in the Garden when he said to the disciples, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”

What should you do on this Holy Thursday pilgrimage?

Suggested materials: Bible

Upon entering each church, pilgrims visit the altar of repose, kneel, make the sign of the cross, read the appropriate scripture for each station and engage in private prayer and adoration. Some may add other prayers as well. At the seventh station, many will close their pilgrimage by opting to observe a Holy Hour. (Source: Stephanie Patka)

The seven stations consist of:

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

Jesus bound and taken before Annas (John 18: 19-22)

Jesus taken before the High Priest, Caiaphas (Matthew 26: 63-65)

Jesus taken before Pilate (John 18, 35-37)

Jesus taken before Herod (Luke 23: 8-9; 11)

Jesus taken before Pilate again (Matthew 27: 22-26)

Jesus given the crown of thorns and led to his crucifixion (Matthew 27: 27-31) 

Click here to help find nearby parishes. Please call ahead to verify the times of adoration at the parishes.