Since the beginning of Lent on Feb. 18, a pilgrimage has been taking place in Mercer County where Catholics are working to become spiritually refreshed through visits to different parishes where they gather for Mass, share faith, learn some history and build upon a sacred tradition as a community of believers.
This longtime Lenten tradition in the county is called the Station Churches of Mercer County, an initiative that replicates a longstanding Roman tradition that traces its roots as far back as the late second and early third century by inviting others to visit their churches and participate in celebrating evening Mass during Lent.
PHOTO GALLERY: Station Church Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton
Though the weather conditions had prompted the cancellation of a couple of Masses during the early part of Lent, the pilgrims have been on journey making their way the county. As of March 13, the pilgrims had visited seven parishes and are anticipating visits to nine more with the culmination of the annual Chrism Mass that will be held on the Monday of Holy Week, March 30, in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.
In reflecting upon the significance of the pilgrims’ endeavor of prayer during the Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, March 12, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said “As we move more deeply into this holy season of Lent, the Word of God today invites us to look honestly at the condition of our hearts.
“Lent is not simply a time of external practices; it is a time of interior listening,” he said. “The question placed before us is ‘Are we truly listening to the Lord, or have our hearts grown resistant to his voice?”
The Monitor is working on a story on the Station Churches of Mercer County that will include comments from participants about their experiences in practicing the Lenten tradition.
