2 weeks Ago By Scott Strasser
Members of Calgary’s Christian community came to the St. Mary’s Cathedral in droves early Friday morning to participate in the Outdoor Way of the Cross — a historic Good Friday ritual that re-enacts Jesus Christ’s march to crucifixion. Over the course of 90 minutes, the procession of roughly 2,000 worshippers slowly wound its way through the Beltline in a clockwise route that started and finished on the front steps of the cathedral along 18th Avenue S.
W. The procession, a cornerstone of the Easter weekend for Christians, intends to trace the 14 Stations of the Cross — or Via Crucis in Latin — leading to Christ’s crucifixion. At the front of the procession, participants took turns carrying a large wooden cross on their shoulder, led by Calgary Catholic Diocese Bishop William McGrattan.
“It helps us to see that our life is united with Christ and the gift He offers to us,” McGrattan told Postmedia shortly after the procession was over. “It’s a devotion that is open to all people.” Taking part in the Way of the Cross allows worshipers to reflect on their devotion to God, McGrattan added, while also reflecting on the suffering experienced by both Jesus and others.
“We recognize His own path to the cross involved suffering and passion, and we know many people in society have this same experience,” he said. “We unite them in this day with us as we make this devotion. “Hopefully, it also brings the Christian people to recognize that unity is an important witness we have.
” As they shuffled along the route , the crowd of worshippers solemnly sang hymns in unison that recounted the story of Christ’s final days, including his sentencing, torture and crucifixion, before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. As the crowd paused at each of the 14 stations, many crossed themselves before kneeling down in a moment of prayer. ‘It’s a good reminder that you’re never alone’ Participant Rina Guerrero said she comes to the Way of the Cross every year.
The Good Friday tradition not only brings the Christian community together, she said, but also strengthens her personal relationship with Jesus. “It’s always awesome to reconnect with my faith and likeminded people who believe in the same things we do,” she said, during the procession. “We all carry our troubles and problems.
It’s a good reminder that you’re never alone — Jesus carries it with you.” Guerrero’s son Mark, joining her for the first time, added he was impressed by the turnout, which far exceeded his expectations. Way of the Cross procession brings Christians to Beltline for Good Friday ritual Originally from the Philippines, Magat said he was a devoted member of the Black Nazarene in his native country and has continued his devotion to Christ since moving to Canada.
“It’s a part of me in my heart that I have to suffer also and share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ,” he explained after the procession. “It’s all about the faith. We need to share each other’s problems.
The only one who can help us is the Lord God. “During the carrying, I’m only repeating ‘Our Father’ but in Tagalog. Because in our language, it’s much more in our feelings.
” The Outdoor Way of the Cross has taken place in Calgary since 1983, though it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Last year, the procession was held at St. Mary’s University campus amid snowy conditions.
It was hosted at the Our Lady Fatima parish in the Foothills Industrial Park in 2023. This year’s gathering felt like a homecoming, McGrattan said, with the event returning to its traditional route through the Beltline for the first time since 2019. “It returns to a place I think hopefully gives a greater prominence and witness on Good Friday,” he said.
“I was very grateful to the city and to the police for all the co-operation they gave us this year. It was very well organized and extremely safe.” After the procession, Good Friday liturgies were scheduled at St.
Mary’s Cathedral at 12 and 3 p.m..
