Despite a potentially soggy weather forecast, about 100 people – many young adults – took a leap of faith to participate in the annual Holy Night Hike on Holy Thursday, April 2. They were rewarded with a calm, balmy evening.
Temperatures hovered around 70 degrees as the group visited seven churches in Cleveland’s Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods after attending Mass at St. John Cantius Church. Their other stops were at St. Augustine, St. Wendelin, St. Patrick (Bridge Avenue), St. Malachi Oratory, St. Emeric (Hungarian) and St. Andrew Kim (Korean). Saint Mary of the Assumption Chapel at Saint Ignatius High School also was open that night for adoration.
(See photo gallery above.)
Hikers could pick up a “passport” any of the stops and get it stamped as a memento of the event.
They paused for a brief reflection, personal prayer and a peek at each of the churches, most of which are nearly a century – or more – old. Hikers carried battery-operated candles and prayed or chatted as they walked. The destinations averaged about a mile apart.
The event has become a Holy Thursday tradition, attracting 100 or more people in the past few years. It was coordinated by Joe Vicario and Max Harbert, Catching Fire co-founders, with help from the diocesan Office of Young Adult Ministry. Megan Lowes-Bolin, office director, accompanied the hikers.
Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization, and Father Eric Garris, diocesan vocation director, joined the group at some of the churches.
Harbert said he experienced a similar event while attending graduate school in Cincinnati and wanted to start something in Cleveland.
“I wanted to create something special here,” he said. The event began about five years ago and has gained traction. Some similar Holy Thursday events have taken place in other areas of the diocese, he added.
“We wanted something special for people to look forward to, something to help bring people together on Holy Thursday.”
As the hikers concluded their visit to St. Andrew Kim Church, they posed for a group photo on the front steps before dispersing.
Harbert said he expects the Holy Night Hike will return once again next year.