Each year on Good Friday, thousands of people from around the US participate in the annual tradition of praying the steps at Holy Cross Immaculata in Cincinnati.
This 160+-year-old tradition dates back to the church’s construction in 1859.
When Do You “Pray the Steps?”
Visitors may come at any time between midnight on Holy Thursday and midnight on Good Friday, rain or shine.
The lines tend to be longer during the daytime, with fewer crowds later in the evening. Parking is available on nearby streets.
(Make sure you use your emergency brake because the streets in Mt. Adams have steep inclines.)
The church is on top of Mt. Adams, and offers a beautiful view of Cincinnati day or night.
The majority of people start praying the steps on St. Gregory Street, but if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can start the steps at Colombia Parkway.
I’m not Catholic, but I like the idea of carving out some time in my day to focus on the meaning of Good Friday.
I was curious why individuals and families make this ritual an annual tradition.
Why is Praying the Steps an Annual Tradition?
The tradition is an opportunity to pray and is a reminder to honor Christ’s death on the cross.
How Long is the Wait to Pray the Steps?
I waited in line for about 45 minutes before reaching the base of the steps.
While in line, I observed many families and friends who make this an annual tradition together.
I also chatted with individuals who were not Catholic but enjoyed the experience and returned each year to pray the steps annually.
Everyone in line was friendly, and some even offered food to others nearby them in line.
At the base of the stairs, I was given a paper that goes through Stations of the Cross and a rosary cross necklace.
Visitors pray silently on each stair. I took the time to pray for family, friends, and anything else that came to mind.
If you visit during the day, take a few moments to go inside the beautiful church.
I enjoyed partaking in a tradition that so many people from all over the US look forward to each year.
You can find out more about Holy Cross Immaculata from their website.
Where is Holdy Cross Immaculata Parish Located?
Holy Cross Immaculata Parish is at 30 Guido Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Whenever I read you, it’s like a mini-vacation for me. Thanks for the post and keep posting.
Greetings Nedra,
I happen to come across your site looking at pics of Holy Cross Immaculata Church. I enjoyed reading your comments and looking at your pics of the Good Friday tradition of “Praying the Steps”. I am not from the area but found out about the tradition and have been attending it the past 5 years and love it.
I noticed that you said you weren’t Catholic and also noticed in one of your pics that you mentioned being given a paper and a cross necklace. As a Catholic, I thought that I could help explain a couple of things. The paper is separate information from the “necklace”. The paper is information on the Stations of the Cross. This is a meditation on Jesus’ passion. You can find these 14 “stations” in just about every Catholic Church, usually inside the Church but on the outside wall. Here is one site to help explain a little more.
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/stations-of-the-cross/scriptural-stations-of-the-cross.cfm
Also, the “necklace” that you were given is actually a rosary and is used as intercessory prayers to Our Blessed Mother, Mary, and is used as contemplative prayer on the life of Jesus and Mary. I can give you some info on how to use the rosary for prayer.
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/how-to-pray-the-rosary.cfm.