WAY OF THE CROSS HELPS CALGARIANS WALK WITH JESUS
Participants made aware of suffering around them
An ancient tradition that dates back to the fourth century will come alive once again this Good Friday with the annual Way of the Cross pilgrimage in Calgary.
Organized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary but open to people of all faiths, the walk has taken place on Good Friday since 1983. The downtown route begins from St. Mary’s Cathedral and makes 14 stops over the threehour journey.
The event symbolizes walking with Jesus toward crucifixion and suffering his pain while reflecting upon the burden of the cross and how individuals can be more aware of the suffering of those around them in modern society.
Calgary Bishop William McGrattan walked the route for the first time last year, only months after taking up his posting in the city. He said the experience was a very moving one that also opened his eyes to various social issues, both past and present, that are represented by the various stations. He will again walk the entire route this coming Friday.
“This is a route specifically chosen and designed to bring to life aspects of society that we know, like Christ, suffered in certain ways.
“It goes by Cash Corner and talks about the homeless and there’s a section where there was street prostitution in the past, so the route includes some of the areas of our society where we know that people carry a heavy burden and a cross,” said McGrattan.
“When I went through it last year for the first time and it was explained to me why certain parts of the route were designated as places to stop and reflect, it was tied to a very human social reality in the city of Calgary, which had a great impact for me,” he added.
The bishop said of particular poignancy to him was the final stop at the former site of the Father Latour Native Centre before returning to St Mary’s.
“The last spot was in regards to the Aboriginal people,” he said. “That was a very powerful station for me last year and I can say I am looking forward to it this year.”
Calgarians wishing to take part in the solemn event are asked to gather at the front steps of St. Mary’s Cathedral, 219 – 18th Avenue SW, by 8:45 a.m. on March 30. The walk is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, although people can choose to complete only as much as they are comfortable with.
Walkers are asked to use public transport, as there is limited parking at the cathedral.
The Way of the Cross is an ancient tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and is now celebrated across the world.
McGrattan said there is expected to be a large number of volunteers this year, with several groups designated to carry the cross for a certain section of the route that corresponds to their area of social concern and interest.
Last year, the walk attracted about 3,000 Calgarians.
“There are many groups who want to carry the cross from one station to the other, which is a positive sign of the community wanting to be involved,” he said.
The route and timetable for the walk are available at www.wayofthecross.ca/map.html