About 200 pilgrims accompanied Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, as he visited three Peoria churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament after Mass on Holy Thursday.

“The pilgrimage was a resounding success. Look for it again next year,” said Chris Kreps, Bishop Jenky’s administrative assistant. “The bishop wants this to become a tradition.”

The ancient custom of going from church to church to pray on Holy Thursday is a vital part of Catholic piety in Rome and other countries. Bishop Jenky planned the Holy Thursday pilgrimage this year to revive the custom in the Diocese of Peoria.

The pilgrims began at St. Mary’s Cathedral, taking a bus or driving their own cars to Sacred Heart Church, then to St. Philomena’s, and then to St. Vincent de Paul’s before returning to the cathedral.

At each church the pilgrims spent about 15 minutes reading Scripture, praying litanies and singing hymns.

Among those taking part in the pilgrimage was the youth group from St. Mary’s Parish in Metamora, as well as college students from Bradley University in Peoria and Illinois State University in Normal.