Visita Iglesia - Diocese of San Jose

Visita Iglesia 2025 – Seven Church Pilgrimage

In Search of Our Lord Jesus Christ

“They have taken my Lord away…” (John 20:13)

What is Visita Iglesia?

Visita Iglesia also known as the Seven Churches Visitation, this tradition dates to the 16th century and was made known by Saint Philip Neri in Rome, Italy. Originally, the practice involved the visitation of seven basilicas in Rome to signify the seven stations of the cross from the arrest of Jesus to His crucifixion.

On Holy Thursday, Christians remember Jesus Christ’s last supper with his apostles on the night he was arrested, the institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and Jesus’s Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament is solemnly processed and placed in a tabernacle on the Altar of Repose, which is open late for silent adoration.

Why 7 churches?

The seven churches signify the seven holy sites related to Jesus Christ’s arrest to his crucifixion.

The Garden of Gethsemane – Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46)
The house of Annas – Jesus bound and taken before Annas (John 18: 19-22)
Tribunal before the High Priest, Caiaphas – Jesus taken before the High Priest Caiaphas (Matthew 26: 63-65)
Trial before Pilate – Jesus taken before Pilate (John 18: 35-37)
Trial before Herod – Jesus taken before Herod (Luke 23: 8-9;11)
From Herod back to Pilate – Jesus taken before Pilate again (Matthew 27: 22-26)
From Pilate to Calvary – Jesus given the crown of thorns and led to crucifixion (Matthew 27: 27-31)

Join Us for Visita Iglesia (Seven Church Pilgrimage) on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025

After Mass on Holy Thursday, don’t just go home—instead, search for Our Lord Jesus Christ, who asks: “Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40)

Embark on a spiritual journey to visit seven churches, spending time in adoration at the Altar of Repose. This Lenten tradition allows young adults to walk, bike, or drive together in search of Jesus in the Eucharist, while deepening their faith and building community.

How to Participate

Gather a group from your parish or collaborate with other young adult ministries.
Decide on your travel method: walk, bike, or drive.
Plan your route—you are free to choose any seven churches. Please note, most Churches will remain open until midnight on Holy Thursday but check ahead of time. If walking or cycling, choose churches that are close together. See below for themed route
Use the official prayer guide or see other suggestions for what to pray at each church.