Pilgrimage of Faith: St. Francis Xavier Parish visits St. Peter Cathedral
By Kristine Rilling10/07/2025
On a warm September morning, students of St. Francis Xavier Faith Formation, along with their parents, families and guardians, set out on a special pilgrimage to St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. Their journey was a chance to experience the mother church of the Diocese of Erie in a deeper way. 
The group was welcomed into the magnificent Cathedral with awe. Light streamed through stained glass windows, each telling a story of salvation history. Parishioners learned that the Cathedral itself is built in the shape of a cross, a reminder that every time they gather there, they are drawn into the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and love.
"For a few years, the catechists have requested that we make a field trip to the St. Peter Cathedral, making the relationship between the Bishop of Erie and local parishes more evident,” said Irene Schneider, Director of Evangelization for St. Francis Xavier Parish. “This year was the opportune time with the Jubilee Year of Hope. Not only did our parishioners learn more about our Cathedral, but it also gave our families a chance for a plenary indulgence. It was also really cool to find out that one of our families is related to Father Thomas Casey, the first rector of the cathedral."
The tour included a moving stop in the crypt, where past bishops are laid to rest. There, students and families paused to pray, recognizing that their own lives of faith are built upon the foundation of those who came before them.
The highlight of the pilgrimage was the celebration of Mass with their pastor, Father Ben Daghir. In his homily, he invited the students and families to reflect on the way the Cathedral’s windows mirror the ups and downs of discipleship.
“Peter doubted, and he sank into the water,” Father Ben preached. “But why is that moment in Scripture given to us? Because any time we walk into this Cathedral, we can look up at one of these windows and see ourselves. Maybe you are in a moment of joy with the Lord, or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, like the waves are crashing upon you. Either way, remember the great prayer of Peter: ‘Save me, Lord.’ And Jesus reached out to him – just as he reaches out to you.”
He reminded those gathered that the Cathedral’s very design calls hearts upward. “Whenever you stand here, notice how the building lifts your eyes to the heavens,” he said. “That is no accident. This place is meant to remind us that in both our struggles and our celebrations, we are always being drawn closer to God.”
As the families ascended the steps of St. Peter Cathedral after Mass, they carried with them more than memories of a tour. They carried a renewed sense of connection: to their parish, to their diocese and to Christ who always reaches out a saving hand, in both the great moments and the trials of faith.
View additional photos here.
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