A New Orleans pilgrimage: the Nine Churches Walk
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Every Good Friday, we join dozens of other families and groups for a beloved New Orleans tradition: the Nine Churches Walk. This little pilgrimage is the most beautiful way to pray on this holiest day: in sober silence, outside in the wonder of creation, with community known and unknown, engaging our bodies and souls together in the places where so many faithful have prayed and loved and died.
What is the Nine Churches Walk?
The Nine Churches Walk follows a course of miles to historic churches across the city. The Stations of the Cross are prayed at each stop (you can use my favorite Stations of the Cross). Pilgrims start walking early in the day and cover anywhere from five to ten miles, depending upon the route you chose. Dozens of churches participate, so you can plan a pilgrimage that works for your needs. A typical route begins uptown and winds toward the French Quarter to conclude with the 3 p.m. service at St Louis Cathedral.
Why do you walk?
The Nine Churches Walk draws on the ancient pilgrimage tradition of praying along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. In New Orleans, the Nine Churches pilgrimage showcases a local treasury of historic and breathtaking churches. Some of the churches included are no longer active parishes, so Good Friday is the only time of year they open.
Where do you walk?
Here’s a list and map of the typical churches included on the pilgrimage route. You can check back here for an updated version.
How do you get there and back?
We usually park at our apartment uptown and then ride the streetcar back from the end of the pilgrimage route. You could also use ride shares or taxis—both are relatively affordable for the given distance.
How long does it take?
The Nine Churches Walk usually takes us roughly six hours. We begin around 9 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m. After we’re finished praying and reflecting, we eat our one full, meatless meal for this day of fasting.
What should we bring?
We bring water bottles, bread, sunscreen, and paper towels. The bread serves as our food for the day apart from our one full meal. If we’re hauling a full case of water, we also use a wagon, but if your load is lighter, you’ll be fine with only a backpack. Most of the churches ask for donations to help with maintenance and offer books and religious articles for sale, so bring cash in small bills to contribute. (A few are also set up to take digital payments.)
What should we wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that cover shoulders and knees. I like to wear light layers for adjusting coverage during the changing temperatures, as well as a sun hat. Most importantly, wear shoes that can carry you several miles. You will have plenty of breaks to sit and rest, but the walk covers a lot of ground. As per usual in New Orleans, consider avoiding open-toe shoes on the wildly uneven streets.
Are there bathrooms?
Yes. Be not afraid.
P.S. Don’t forget that many of these churches are also designated Jubilee pilgrimage sites! Most of them will be offering confession throughout the day. On the Nine Churches Walk, you can satisfy the requirements to receive the special grace of the Jubilee plenary indulgence.
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