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The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches in Rome
This pilgrimage, rich in historical and spiritual significance, dates back to the mid-1500s and is attributed to St. Philip Neri, one of the most beloved saints of Rome. Seeking to offer the faithful a shared spiritual experience, St. Philip mapped out a route connecting seven of Rome’s most revered churches, introducing pilgrims to the saints of the early Church and encouraging deeper communion with their faith.
This year, 19 members of the College, led by Rector Fr. Damien Bakoma, SVD, undertook this spiritual journey. It was a meaningful way to celebrate not only the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word, but also the Holy Year 2025.
The pilgrimage began with a moment of prayer in the chapel of the SVD Generalate, where participants also received organizational instructions for the day. Though the weather forecast had raised concerns, only a few drops of rain fell—almost like a blessing—as the pilgrims set off.
The journey started at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the first station along the 24-kilometer route that meandered through the Eternal City. From there, pilgrims continued to:
The journey started at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the first station along the 24-kilometer route that meandered through the Eternal City. From there, pilgrims continued to:
- Mary Major,
- Lawrence Outside the Walls,
- The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem,
- John Lateran (Rome’s cathedral),
- Sebastian Outside the Walls,
- and concluded at Paul Outside the Walls.
The stretch to St. Sebastian—the longest segment—rewarded pilgrims with picturesque views of Rome’s peaceful outskirts. Most significantly, the pilgrimage allowed participants to cross the Holy Doors of all four major basilicas in a single day, a rare and grace-filled experience during the Jubilee Year.
At each church, the group paused for Scripture reflection and common prayer, deepening the spiritual essence of the journey. Every stop was marked by a group photo, capturing not only the physical presence but the shared spirit of the pilgrims.
After nearly eight hours of walking, the pilgrims arrived at the final station. Despite the physical demands, the journey was described as deeply enriching—a foretaste of Easter joy and a space to lift personal intentions to God.
The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches was not just a walk through history, but a walk of faith, community, and renewal, leaving each participant with cherished memories and strengthened hearts.
Fr. Andrzej Miotk, SVD
