“But part of it is to speak about what does this mean today? Where do we see that kind of power being exercised by the authorities? Who’s on the margins today? What are our commitments? How do we work together?”
Article content
A crowd of around 200 braved cold temperatures and snow-lined streets in Edmonton’s core Friday morning to take part in the annual Way of the Cross procession.
The crowd sang hymns as it made its way through the two-hour walk, beginning at 99 Street and 107 Avenue, before making a clockwise loop around the nearby streets to finish at Hope Mission on 106 Avenue.
Article content
The event, now in its 44th year, commemorates the Christian story of the Crucifixion and death of Jesus ahead of his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Organizer Bob McKeon said honouring Good Friday is part of the Easter tradition but is one that also has modern relevance.
“On the first Good Friday Jesus was unjustly convicted, executed, tortured by the corrupt powers of his day,” he said. “So part of this is to remember that. But part of it is to speak about what does this mean today? Where do we see that kind of power being exercised by the authorities? Who’s on the margins today? What are our commitments? How do we work together?
“We should stop once in a while and think about how we’re living in our society today … and Good Friday is a good day to do that reflection.”
Some of those Friday morning took turns carrying the six-foot high cross made of plywood that was built by a Franciscan brother and has been used in every Edmonton Way of the Cross since 1981.
“It’s tall, but not heavy,” said McKeon, adding its size means it normally takes two people to carry.
He describes the event as non-denominational and open to those of all faiths.
“It’s important that all of us get together … that we try to work for greater justice with each other no matter what religious faith we come from.”
Advertisement 3
Article content
The procession stopped at seven stations along the route with each dedicated to a different theme ranging from economic justice and hope to hope in times of conflict.
One of the stops was at a vacant lot with a theme of “homes for all.” Another stop was outside the Edmonton Intercultural Centre in the old McCauley school building and centred on forced migration and those who had been driven from homelands.
“The very location (of the stations) calls our attention to people getting involved with those issues today,” McKeon said.
Gail Allan was among those gathered Friday and noted the significance of the route through the inner city.
“This represents the places where people’s lives are affected by injustice, where people are marginalized. And, so part of it is to be in solidarity with those folks and to say we seek a better life … for everyone.”
She said she attended the inaugural event and that its themes of faith, justice, and helping others have kept her returning in future years.
“We’re committed to working with people of all faiths and all people of goodwill, who are committed to the mending of the world,” Allan said.
“That’s what this is about: to look at how we can mend our broken world.”
Recommended from Editorial
Article content
