Coming together
Sense of community on display for Journey to the Cross
Vince Penney has often taken part in annual Journey to the Cross ceremonies that mark Good Friday among his community’s churches.
Though often moved by the service he never once took it upon himself to take hold of the large wooden cross that’s carried through North Sydney streets as part of an annual re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s walk with the cross before his crucifixion.
This year, though, during the 15th annual edition of the ceremony he felt compelled to help when a young parishioner quickly stepped forward for his chance to be a disciple.
“The young fella who wanted to carry the cross, it was a little bit too heavy for him so I decided to help him,” Penney said while walking through downtown North Sydney.
That sense of community he put on display has become synonymous with the solemn Good Friday event though the years. And he continues to be moved by it.
“It is something good for the community and all the churches come together because it’s a good community event.”
This year’s walk began from St. Matthew Wesley United Church, Peppett Street, North Sydney.
The re-enactment included readings that pertain to Judas Iscariot, Peter, Caiaphas, Pilate, the criminal and a 21st century Christian as parishioners from St. Giles Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist, St. John The Baptist and St. Joseph’s moved past their churches and through downtown streets.
It was Fr. Julio Martin from St. John’s who first carried the cross, followed by 10-year-old Zavier Bond, who was assisted by Penney, and then others as the cross made its way to the end of its journey at the Armstrong Memorial Legion where soup and fellowship were enjoyed.
As in past years, the atmosphere among parishioners remained solemn from start to finish.
“I think the mood is like that every time because we are reflecting on the experience Jesus had, which was far more severe than what we went through,” said Fr. Patrick O’Neil.
“The cross we carried was
very light compared to his and he had a lot more suffering that he endured, so I think when people walk they are reminded of what Jesus did for them and it is quieter, it’s prayerful and people are remembering.”
Some 150 people took part this year, which is considered a growing number over past years.
“I think people like doing something like this together
as Christians of all faiths. And coming together like this for a bowl of soup is a nice way to come together at the end.”
The sense of community obviously on display in North Sydney was not exclusive to Good Friday, O’Neil said.
“We do so much all year together. It’s not just Christian unity week in January that we do stuff. We do stuff
there but throughout the year we are constantly working with each other in celebrations. It’s quite nice.”