Holy Cross Immaculata Church, Cincinnati, Ohio

During the construction of the Holy Cross-Immaculata church the Archbishop had a large wooden cross erected on the site and many Catholics wore a path up the hill as they prayed there for the completion of the church. The Archbishop had stairs built to make the path easier and when the church was completed people continued to pray as they ascended each step. The Holy Cross Immaculata Church became known as the “Church of the Steps” and the pilgrimage was known as “making the steps” or “praying up the steps.” The steps have been replaced several times, the latest being 2009. There are now 96 steps leading to the top and “praying the steps” can be done year round although on Good Friday thousands of pilgrims flock to the church to “make the steps.”