WAY OF THE CROSS

Hundreds support Easter tradition

Temperatures dipping to -10 degrees Celsius and heavy snow didn’t prevent hundreds of people from marching in the 35th annual Way of the Cross walk for prayer and solidarity Friday morning in Calgary.

Bishop William McGrattan led the 2.5-kilometre walk, starting and ending at St. Mary ’s Cathedral, through Mission and the Beltline, while stopping at 14 stations to remember the most vulnerable among us, near and far.

The stations allowed participants to contemplate the suffering, passion and death of Jesus Christ, all while recognizing hardships Calgarians face on a daily basis.

“It’s a really cool thing, it’s really reflective and it’s great to reflect on the different contemplative points around the city,” said Daniel Wilson, who has participated in the walk before and was there braving the cold snap Friday morning. “It’s a very calm, meditative experience and I reflect on my role within social justice issues in the city.”

Among the stops were St. Monica’s School, representing people with developmental disabilities, and the Memorial Park Library, recognizing the hungry, homeless, addicted, those experiencing sexual exploitation and those in need of medical care.

Also along the route were stops to recognize those who have been forced to make their sexuality a commodity and those needing to meet the spiritual needs of Aboriginal people in and around Calgary.

“This represents my faith and how I believe,” said Rhodora Claricia, who took part in the walk.

“It’s just remembering what happened and the passion of Christ.”

PHOTOS:JIM WELLS Bishop William McGrattan leads the Way of the Cross procession as it departs from St. Mary’s Cathedral on Good Friday.

An enthusiastic spectator waves as the Way of the Cross march passes by her apartment building on 13 Ave SW.

Warm mitts were a wardrobe requirement for participants who braved heavy snow and cold temperatures to participate in the Way of the Cross procession through downtown Calgary on Good Friday.

A snow-covered participant joins the 35th annual Way of the Cross march through Mission and the Beltline.

Participants took time at 14 stops to reflect on the suffering, passion and death of Jesus Christ.