CROSS: ‘You feel the sense of it’

Christians all denominations and churches arrived at the Town Center Fountain to walk to The Bride Church on Highway 20 and back. Participants took turns carrying a wooden cross used since the event began about 20 years ago.

“It’s a reminder that something significant happened 2,000 years ago today,” said Pastor Chris Madsen of the Praise Chapel.

Madsen participates annually in the event.

“When you’re carrying it, you just want to pray and cry,” he said. “You feel the sense of it and the holiness of it.”

Carrying the cross was a profound moment for Marysville couple Antonio and Racheal Sandoval.

"This is a good opportunity to come together as a community and pray for Yuba-Sutter,” Racheal Sandoval said.

Antonio Sandoval carried the cross on his shoulder as he held his wife’s hand. He said it was an honor to carry it.

“It means a lot to me to honor Jesus on this day,” he said.

Cars along Bridge Street and Highway 20 honked as they passed the procession. About 40 people attended the event.

“I’m raising my kids to know what I wasn’t necessarily taught,” said Aman- from da Ward, who carried the cross with her children down a segment of sidewalk adjacent to the highway. “I didn’t expect the emotional impact it would have."

Jayde Ward, 12, said the cross was heavy but carrying it with her family was an amazing experience.

“It felt awesome,” she said.

Pastor Balbir Subhkaram, who helped Swan understand the history and importance of the cross, said it took about three weeks for Swan to make his decision to convert.

“He opened heart,” he said.

Swan said after his conversion his family became Christians as well.

The symbol of the cross is regarded as reverent across cultures and beliefs, said Rachael Sandoval.

“That’s what’s nice,” she said. “It’s all denominations coming together."

Organizer Wayne Wilcoxen said he has been coordinating the event for the past 10 years.

“We just want to get it up his out to the people to remind them that Good Friday is the day he was crucified,” Wilcoxen said.

The cross weighs about 100 pounds, though it’s never officially been weighed, he said. Carrying the cross during the event allows people to understand what Jesus went through during his final hours, he said.

“When they carry the cross, they have a closer relationship with God,” Wilcoxen said.

Photos by Patrick Groves/ Appeal-Democrat The procession of participants follow the cross as it is carried down Highway 20 in observance of Good Friday.

Antonio and Racheal Sandoval hold hands as they carry the cross Friday in downtown Yuba City in honor of Good Friday.