In late September, 11^th grade students in Church History classes took part in a unique, faith-building experience by participating in a holy pilgrimage around Academy of Holy Angels’ own campus. The students, led by theology teachers Ann McComas and Kathy Cassidy, walked and prayed at various sites just as one would on a real Catholic pilgrimage near a holy site.

The pilgrimage stops and the corresponding prayer intentions included:

• The parlor and library with a prayer for academic success;
• The original front steps (facing 66^th street) with a prayer for all AHA alumni;
• The John O’Shaughnessy Tree with a prayer for deceased alumni and victims of violence;
• The exterior theatre entrance with a prayer for the sharing of gifts through the arts;
• The StarDome entrance with a prayer for AHA athletes;
• The boiler room with a prayer for the laborers;
• The St. Joseph statue (courtyard) with a prayer for the AHA community;
• The statues of St. Mary and St. Joseph (chapel) with a prayer for our families.

After visiting all eight sites, students were asked to write a reflection on what they learned. Alyssa Chamberlain wrote, "It surprised me that we stopped by the boiler room as one of the holy sites. I wouldn’t have considered a boiler room to be a very holy place, however, considering it as the first building constructed as part of the school and the thing that powers it, I realized that it actually did have a lot of significance as a place on this pilgrimage. One of the stops that was the most meaningful to me was the statues of Mary and Joseph, because I really love my family, and I wish there was a greater emphasis on families in our society today. I think after the pilgrimage, I will see the campus differently because I know more about the history of it and the many incredible hidden places that make up the school, such as the old theater entrance and the tunnel."

Another student, A.J. Davis-Deuth, shared, “The stop at the StarDome meant the most to me because, as a Christian athlete, I strive to show Jesus’ light while I play. I will see the campus differently because of the meaning behind the architecture, and I will remember those who have gone before me.”

AHA’s Church History course is intended to help students understand the Catholic Church in the world throughout time. The class explores the major eras of the Church and major figures representative of each era. To learn more about AHA’s Theology Department, click here.