The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches is a Roman spiritual tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, in which the entire community of the SCJ General House participated on March 21st as part of its Lenten spiritual program.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the entire community of the General House in Rome experienced its annual Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, a spiritual tradition deeply rooted in Church history. Inherited from Saint Philip Neri in the 16th century, the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches is a 25-kilometer spiritual walk through the four major basilicas and three other basilicas. Following a circular route, pilgrims begin their journey at St. Peter’s Basilica, visit various basilicas and catacombs, and conclude at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis now rests.
The day began with the Eucharistic celebration in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a time of personal prayer before the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles. The pilgrimage then unfolded to the rhythm of psalmody, biblical readings, and common prayers, concluded in each church by a blessing.
From St. Peter’s to St. Paul Outside the Walls, from St. Sebastian Outside the Walls to St. John Lateran, from the Holy Cross in Jerusalem to St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, and finally to Saint Mary Major, the pilgrims—comprising members of the Leon Dehon International College and the General Curia—experienced powerful moments of prayer, penance, and fraternity under the Roman spring sun. This journey allowed them to live the season of Lent in the spirit of Sint Unum, so dear to the Founder.
At Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis loved to pray before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani before and after his apostolic journeys, the pilgrimage concluded in silence and contemplation. Before the simple and humble tomb of this figure of the “Church reaching out,” Father Dehon’s call—”to go to the people”—deeply resonated in their hearts.
