Introduction

Jesus describes his disciple as one who denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows him. In imitation of Jesus’ suffering, the Jesuit High School community makes the Nine Churches Walk each year on Good Friday, visiting churches with striking architecture and rooted in New Orleans history.

History

The origins of the Nine Churches Walk, like most traditions in New Orleans, are somewhat obscure. Some sources say that the number of churches reflects the tradition of praying nine days of a novena for a particular petition. Others cite the tradition in Rome of praying the Stations of the Cross at a different church on each of the forty days in Lent. Whatever the case, the tradition manifests the vibrancy of Catholicism that has been an integral part of the Louisiana’s culture for centuries.

Pilgrimage Details

We will begin at 8:00am at St. Stephen’s and end at approximately 1:00pm at the Cathedral.

Each stop will begin with an address by historian Brandon Briscoe ’98, who will detail unique historical and spiritual hallmarks of the church. We will then enter to pray one or two Stations accompanied by reflections. After a few moments of prayer, we will make our way to the next stop.

Good Friday is a fasting day, and participants may choose to bring a light snack and water for the walk. It is also recommended to check the weather forecast for appropriate dress, noting that sunscreen or a hat may be useful. Participants should be prepared to walk 5-6 miles through the course of the morning and should arrange a ride back to their vehicle after the walk concludes.

Churches Visited

St. Stephen’s Church	1025 Napoleon Ave.
St. Henry’s Church	812 General Pershing St.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church	1307 Louisiana Ave.
St. Mary’s Assumption Church	923 Josephine St.
St. Patrick’s Church	724 Camp St.
Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church	130 Baronne St.
St. Jude’s Church	411 N Rampart St.
St. Mary’s Italian Church	1112 Chartres St.
St. Louis Cathedral	615 Pere Antoine Alley

Stations & Meditations

https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/2005/documents/ns_lit_doc_20050325_via-crucis_en.html