Participants in the Nine Churches Walk on Good Friday gather for a photo in St. Mary Assumption, the fourth church on the route, at Constance and Josephine Streets.

The Easter Triduum, the most solemn days in the Church’s calendar, begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, continues through Good Friday, and ends with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Over these holy days, Catholics throughout the world relive the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord.

On Holy Thursday, the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalls the night when Jesus gave the commandment to love one another, symbolized in the washing of the disciples’ feet and instituted the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders.

Good Friday centers on Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross for mankind. Jesus’ passion clearly demonstrates God’s love for all and offers us a model to serve God and each other.

Nine Churches Walk

On Good Friday, April 14, the Jesuit community is invited to join the Nine Churches Walk and reflect on the Stations of the Cross. The uptown route begins at St. Stephen’s Church (part of Good Shepherd Parish). Participants are welcome to gather around 8:15 a.m. in preparation for the pilgrimage to begin at 8:30 a.m. with some introductory remarks followed by the first station.

Although Good Friday is a fasting day, participants may choose to bring a light snack and water for the walk. It is also recommended to check the weather forecast for the appropriate dress, noting that sunscreen or a hat may be helpful. Participants should also be prepared to walk 5-6 miles through the course of the morning. The walk ends at Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church around 1:30 p.m., and participants should arrange their own ride back to their vehicles after the walk.

New this year, the Nine Churches Walk not only has an app, but also Campus Ministry will be Tweeting the group’s progress. For more information, click here.

On Holy Saturday, the third day of the Sacred Triduum, the Church is in mourning, meditating on the Lord’s suffering and death. As on Good Friday, the sacraments are not celebrated.

The Easter season, beginning with the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, celebrates the joy and the promise of the Resurrection of our Lord. Christ has risen and has opened a new chapter for all of mankind who are willing to accept God’s will.

Student Holidays

Thursday, April 13, through Monday, April 17, are student holidays. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 18.