2021 Lenten Pilgrimage Week 1
Week 1 starts in Hamilton County:
St. Francis Xavier, Cincinnati
History & Description
The oldest parish in the Archdiocese was established in 1821 on the outskirts of Cincinnati due to an unwritten prohibition against building Catholic churches in Cincinnati. The original, 30’x55’, wooden building was built by seven Catholic families at Liberty and Vine Streets and later moved to the present location of the church. In 1840 the location became a Jesuit college and seminary. The location became a church again and was placed under the patronage of St. Francis Xavier, with the first Mass in 1861.
The structure was restored after a fire in 1882. The parish today serves 105 zip codes and is recognized as the oldest parish in the Archdiocese, and a Registered National Landmark.
The theme of this Year's Lenten Pilgrimage is the same as the bicentennial celebration “RADIATE CHRIST”. Twelve of the reflections for this annual event are taken from the Archbishop's Pastoral Letter of 2020. The Archbishop expressed that "This is my hope: that each of us, within our unique and personal circumstances and situations, becomes a more joyful witness of the goodness of a life lived in relationship with Jesus Christ." *
Reflection
* All Reflections for this pilgrimage are quoted from "Radiate Christ Pastoral Letter", Cincinnati Archdiocese
“The light of faith is an incarnate light radiating from the luminous life of Jesus” Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei, 34
There are no miles this week because this is where we are starting. However, if you have earned other exercise or spiritual miles, click HERE to submit.