Walking with Our Lady to Heaven: An All Saints Day Pilgrimage

By Sister Monica Baptiste, O.P.

On November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, student sisters from Aquinas College went on a walking pilgrimage to two historic churches in Nashville, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows.

The sisters made their first stop on the pilgrimage at Assumption, founded in 1859, which is currently undergoing major renovations. Fr. Bede Price, the pastor of Assumption, introduced the sisters to the history of the parish. After giving a tour of the Buddeke House, where the chapel and parish offices are held, Fr. Price brought the sisters to see the work being done to restore the church.

Sister Raphaela, O.P. reflected on the visit to Assumption:
Our tour of Assumption was like stepping into a history book. I was particularly moved by the faith and love of the artists who are working to restore and further beautify this historic church. As we climbed down the scaffolding, there was the peace that comes with watching people put the gifts they have received from God at His service to make a fittingly beautiful house for our King. Watching them work was an invitation to examine how I am letting the Master Artisan renew and restore my heart, His chosen dwelling place.

As the sisters entered the church, they saw the baptismal font and the small room that would become the baptistry, where God makes His dwelling with our soul in baptism. Even with all the scaffolding in place it was incredible to see the beautiful design of the church. A particular highlight of the time in the church came when the sisters were able to climb to the highest level of the construction and be underneath the ceiling, filled with gold stars. Fr. Price explained that, instead of being like the dark blue of a night sky, the lighter blue of the ceiling evokes the Blessed Mother as the dawn. While the sisters gathered right above where the altar for the Blessed Mother would be, they sang the Salve Regina.

Next, the sisters walked to another church dedicated to the Blessed Mother, St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, founded in 1844. Fr. Jayd Neely, the pastor of St. Mary’s, welcomed the sisters and gave an overview of the parish, which was the Diocese of Nashville’s first cathedral. He pointed out the room where Bishop Pius Miles, O.P., the first bishop of Nashville, is buried. At the end of their visit to St. Mary’s, the sisters prayed the Litany of Dominican Saints and Blesseds.

Upon returning home after the pilgrimage and entering into Vespers, the sisters heard this beautiful line before the Magnificat, describing how the saints “follow the Lamb wherever He goes.” As the solemnity of All Saints reminds us, our whole life is a pilgrimage, as we follow Christ to our true home in heaven.