Missionary Sisters Embark on a Pilgrimage of Faith and Hope to Rome's Seven Churches

Pilgrimages hold deep significance in the spiritual lives of believers, offering a journey of faith, reflection, and renewal. Walking in the footsteps of saints and martyrs fosters a profound connection to the Church’s rich history and traditions.

By Sr. Christine Masivo CPS

Journeying together in Faith

Rome, known as the Eternal City, has long been a place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. During this Lenten season, the German-speaking Catholic Parish of Santa Maria dell’ Anima (Our Lady of the Soul), near Piazza Navona, organized a special 25-kilometer pilgrimage—a modern expression of the ancient tradition of visiting the seven principal churches of Rome. Among the participants were six Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, who joined over fifty faithful in this journey of faith, hope, and synodality.

A Journey Together in Faith

The Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) pilgrimage, inspired by St. Philip Neri in the 16th century, took on a special significance this year. Due to the concurrent Neapolitan Pilgrimage, Saint Peter’s Basilica was unavailable as the first station. Instead, the pilgrimage began at the Church of Santi Michele e Magno, in the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the group celebrated Holy Mass. This solemn beginning set the tone for a day of prayer, reflection, and communal walking as a sign of unity in faith.

At the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura

The seven churches visited were:

1. Santa Maria dell’ Anima
2. Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura
3. Basilica di San Sebastiano
4. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
5. Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
6. Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura
7. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

At each station, the pilgrims gathered for prayer and reflection, drawing inspiration from the saints associated with each basilica. The Rector of Santa Maria dell’ Anima offered insightful introductions, providing historical and spiritual context that enriched the experience.

A Pilgrimage of Encounter

Among the pilgrims were sixteen confirmands—young Catholics preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Their presence added a special dynamism to the journey as they walked alongside religious sisters, priests, and lay faithful, all sharing moments of prayer, reflection, and quiet contemplation. Throughout the pilgrimage, strangers became companions, united by faith.

By visiting these sacred sites and retracing the steps of saints and martyrs, the pilgrims deepened their connection to the Church’s history and strengthened their faith. The Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood found this pilgrimage to be a profound experience of both inner and outer spiritual renewal. Walking through Rome, accompanied by the Lord and inspired by those who gave their lives for the faith, they rediscovered the beauty of being Church together.

“We are grateful for every opportunity that allows us to deepen our faith and journey alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ,” shared one of the sisters. Their presence was warmly welcomed by fellow pilgrims, who recognized in them the apostolate of presence—being a visible sign of Christ’s love and service in the world.

In communion with the Church in prayer

Call to Authentic Witness

This Lenten pilgrimage was more than a historical journey; it was a powerful reminder of what it means to be a pilgrim Church—journeying together in faith, strengthening hope, and renewing love for God and one another. Inspired by the martyrs and saints of Rome, the pilgrims were encouraged to become authentic witnesses of God’s love in today’s world.

The pilgrimage also highlighted the global nature of the Catholic Church, bringing together individuals from seven different nationalities, all united in faith. This experience of unity and shared devotion deepened their commitment to the Church and its teachings.

As we continue our personal journeys of faith, may we, too, be open to encountering Christ in one another and be strengthened to walk together as a sign of hope and unity in the Church.