A procession of nearly 50 Christians marched faithfully down 100 Avenue Good Friday for the annual Way of the Cross walk.
The crowd initially gathered outside of St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Main Street to hear words of inspiration from Father Ambrose Umeohanna. Walkers made 14 stops throughout town, a commemoration of the 14 stations Jesus Christ passed through on his journey to Calvary during the Crucifixion.
“Going through the Calvary, all of the things Christ went through … the suffering, he was judged, he was mocked. They put on his head a crown made from thorns,” said Father Umeohanna.
“On the way to the cross, even the crowd made a mockery of him. Finally, he suffered the worst death — death on the cross. This is the way.”
Good Friday is one of Christianity’s most important holidays, serving as a reminder of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
Walkers braved the snow and slush to carry the cross, a symbol of sacrifice and devotion for millions.
“This is a way the Christians of this community can commemorate the passion of Christ,” Father Ambrose continued.
“It is a way of atonement for our sins to remember what Christ suffered for us.
“It is not the suffering of Christ that saved humanity, it was his love for us. His love gave meaning to his suffering. As Christians we should suffer out of love. That is why the highest gift you can give to someone is a gift of yourself.”
Clem Fagnan was one of the many carry the cross as part of the procession and speaking to the assembled crowd, he reminded them of Jesus’ sacrifice and how each of them might use his example in their own life.
“Embracing the cross, Jesus did not complain,” Fagnan said.
“When Jesus chose to take up the cross, he did so with steadfast acceptance. Each of us pray to carry our burdens with the same grace.”
