ROME, Nov. 5, 2012 (Zenit.org).- On Saturday, November 10 the Centro San Lorenzo International Youth Centre will host its annual «7 Churches Pilgrimage,» following a tradition established in the 16th century by Saint Philip Neri.
The pilgrimage will begin at 7am with Mass in the crypt of Saint Peter’s Basilica, followed by breakfast and introductions at the nearby Centro San Lorenzo (CSL) youth center.
Participants in the day will then go on foot to Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls, Saint Sebastian’s, Saint John Lateran, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls, and finally conclude at 7pm with a visit to Saint Mary Major.
The patron of this year’s pilgrimage is the Saint Philip Neri. Known for his love of the youth, and for his vocation of service to pilgrims, the 16th century Italian saint encouraged the visitation of these seven major basilicas, also known as the «Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.»
The CSL, in collaboration with the Emmanuel School of Mission, hosts this pilgrimage annually shortly after the commencement of the academic year. More than 100 young people from around the world participated in last year’s pilgrimage, with similar numbers expected this year.
