Hundreds expected at Way of the Cross procession in Calgary | CBC News
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Despite the recent dump of snow, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary is holding its annual Outdoor Way of the Cross procession on Friday, returning to a modified version of its traditional route for the second year in a row.
“We recognize that in our human condition that there are many who are suffering,” Bishop William McGrattan said Thursday. “During this devotion, we take that time to pray for them.”
The route follows a modified version of last year’s path, starting and ending at St. Mary’s Cathedral on 18th Avenue S.W. It’s the same path the procession followed last year, after returning to its traditional route following a hiatus.
From 1983 to 2019, the procession followed the same route before being cancelled the following two years due to the pandemic. In 2023, a modified version of the route ran from St. Mary’s University to the Father Lacombe Care Centre in southeast Calgary.
Temporary road closures will be in place along the route as the procession passes through downtown, the diocese said.
Also referred to as the Stations of the Cross, the outdoor walk involves stops at 14 stations, which the diocese says commemorate Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man.
At each station, worshippers pause to meditate and recall an event from that day, while also reciting specific prayers.
“It’s a way for us during this Easter time to really spiritually identify with Christ and with those who are suffering,” McGratten said.
Last year’s procession drew more than 2,500 participants, with the diocese expecting roughly the same turnout this year.
McGrattan said while the procession comes from the Catholic denomination, it is open to everyone.
“It does have the power of recognizing that we’re really walking for reconciliation, for healing, for peace in the world,” McGrattan said. “It’s really a demonstration that shouldn’t necessarily be Catholic, but it should be embraced by people of goodwill who really seek those same values for society and the world.”
The procession begins at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 219 18th Ave. S.W., at 8:30 a.m.