A church member portraying Jesus carries the Cross through the streets of Kensington.
Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Catholic faithful in Kensington marked Good Friday on April 18 with a “Stations of the Cross” procession, symbolizing Jesus’ journey as he carried the cross before his crucifixion and resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The procession began at St. Rose of Lima Church, where a church member, dressed in white robes and wearing a crown of thorns, carried the cross through the streets of Kensington to Holy Spirit Church.
The somber pilgrimage, known as the Way of Sorrow or Way of the Cross, is performed by Catholics worldwide and depicts the 14 biblically recorded events in Jesus’ journey, including his condemnation to death, carrying the cross, and crucifixion.
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Sixteen-year-old Leo has attended the event for years with his mother. It’s all about community, the Bensonhurst resident told Brooklyn Paper.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “Because so many people here are committed to this, and many people come every single year.”
Catholic faithful attend the “Stations of the Cross” procession through Kensington. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Father José Lopez of Holy Spirit Church told Brooklyn Paper he started the tradition of the “Way of the Cross” 12 years ago when he was pastor at St. Rose of Lima. He said Good Friday is the day to remember the suffering Jesus endured.
“Jesus Christ gave salvation to the whole world, and it is very meaningful for other Christians because we are disciples of Jesus Christ, and we need to celebrate what Jesus Christ did for us,” Father Lopez said.
In a world filled with turmoil, Father Lopez urged the faithful to find inner peace and “disarm” their hearts.
“[Pope] John St John Paul II said that we cannot change the structure of society if we don’t change our hearts and minds,” he said.
Altar boys and girls lead the “Stations of the Cross” procession. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful reenact Jesus’ arrest. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful reenact Jesus’ arrest. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful reenact Jesus’ arrest. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannA church member portraying Jesus carries the Cross through the streets of Kensington. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannChurch members reenacted the 4th Station of the Cross when Jesus meets his mother Mary. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful reenacted the “Stations of the Cross” on Good Friday. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful attend the “Stations of the Cross” procession through Kensington. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannChurch members reenacted the 4th Station of the Cross when Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannChurch members reenacted the 9th Station of the Cross when Jesus falls for the third time. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannChurch members reenacted the 9th Station of the Cross when Jesus falls for the third time. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful attend the “Stations of the Cross” procession through Kensington. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannMembers of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church reenacted Jesus’ journey. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannJesus is nailed to the Cross during the “Stations of the Cross.”Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe 12th Station of the Cross depicts Jesus dying on the Cross. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe 12th Station of the Cross depicts Jesus dying on the Cross. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe 12th Station of the Cross depicts Jesus dying on the Cross. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannJesus is removed from the Cross. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannJesus is removed from the Cross. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful attend the “Stations of the Cross” procession through Kensington. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannMother Mary holds her son Jesus before he is placed in the tomb. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCatholic faithful attend the “Stations of the Cross” procession through Kensington. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
