Photos by Stacie Joy
On Good Friday yesterday, parishioners from St. Brigid–St. Emeric on Avenue B took part in the (annual!) Stations of the Cross procession, which began outside the church at the southeast corner of Eighth Street.
The solemn walk — symbolizing the path Jesus took to Mount Calvary — continued north to 12th Street, east to Avenue C, then south to Seventh Street before returning to the church.
Along the way, participants paused for the traditional stations, with reenactments marking each step of the journey.
This year's procession seemed to carry a little extra intensity — some of the reenactments didn't exactly hold back.
Why is this necessary?
ReplyDeleteIt is a religious ritual like any other. Not necessary to you (or to me) but meaningful to the people involved
DeleteIt's no more necessary than say, meditation or pickleball or going to the theater. Different strokes for different folks.
DeleteHaven’t prayed since childhood, but I see no harm…
DeleteJESUS IS KING
ReplyDeleteAlas, he's DEAD. Also, NO KINGS.
DeleteA very moving and impressive ceremony, made even more poignant this year by the recent loss of our beloved priest Father Francis McGourn. We will miss him terribly. Rest In Peace Father Francais.
ReplyDeleteA very heavy day for us Christians - Praise the Lord
ReplyDeleteIndeed a very heavy day, also for countless numbers of Jews who were slaughtered on this day throughout the centuries.
DeleteSadly this used to be based at Most Holy Redeemer
ReplyDeleteI always do enjoy seeing the legionaries and centurions on the streets of the EV, too rare these days.
ReplyDeleteI might get pushback for this, but here it goes. As a former Roman Catholic, who was an altar boy, who attended Catholic school, who accepted the sacraments of baptism, first communion, the Eucharist, and confirmation, and who attended mass every week until I finally left the church at 20 when I came out, I've never been witness to such a dramatic spectacle amongst the proudest of believers. Obviously, people are allowed to believe in whatever they wish, however they wish, with as much passion as they embody. I understand and respect that Holy Week is important to so many. Yet, glorifying the violent cruxifixction of a man is troubling on many levels. This should be performed inside the parish itself where others share the same faith not outside on public sidewalks and streets where many don't.
ReplyDelete