Annual Via Crucis returns after pandemic

Parishes throughout the archdiocese mark Good Friday by holding a Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, through their neighborhoods. During the pandemic, many were put on hold but this year many returned for Good Friday April 15, 2022. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Melrose Park held their Via Crucis indoors because of a threat of bad weather. St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish held its first procession in decades. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jesus is crucified outside St. Mary of the Lake Church after a procession through the streets. St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish’s Followers of Christ group, with the accompaniment of Sister Guadalupe Limas, lead a Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, on Good Friday, April 15, 2022. The group worked since January to present the Living Stations of the Cross in the streets of Buena Park for the first time in decades. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
People watch the actors. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jesus is taken down from the cross. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Participants pray as Jesus hangs on the cross. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jesus is taken down from the cross. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Manny Dorantes, pastor, leads participants in closing prayers. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jesus, played by Hugo Silva, carries his cross during a Via Crucis at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Melrose Park on Good Friday, April 15, 2022. Due to bad weather, the parish brought the procession inside Melrose Park Elementary School. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners watch the play from the bleachers. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jesus falls for the first time. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Veronica, played by Kathia Ramirez, wipes the face of Jesus, played by Hugo Silva. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Veronica shows the people the face of Jesus left on the cloth after wiping his face. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Simon, played by Trinidad Navarro, helps Jesus, played by Hugo Silva, carry his cross. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The women of Jerusalem weep for Jesus. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jesus is raised up after being nailed to the cross by Roman soldiers. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Priests and a Roman soldier watch the crucifixion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Advertising