Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
CBS Chicago
Volunteers prepare for Way of the Cross procession in Chicago's Pilsen community
By Marybel Gonzalez,
30 days ago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- This was Holy Thursday for Christians, before the Easter weekend, and a day later, a somber event in Pilsen will mark Good Friday in Pilsen.
The tradition draws thousands to the neighborhood – delivering music, costumes, and props. But most importantly, the event draws hope.
For the 47th year Friday, the Pilsen Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, will take over the streets in the neighborhood. It will start with a reenactment of the Last Supper in the basement of the Providence of God Church, 717 W. 18th St., and will proceed to Harrison Park along 18th Street between Damen and Wood streets for a reenactment of the Crucifixion.
The event will end with prayer at St. Pius V Church, 1919 S. Ashland Ave.
"You can look here on the walls and you see the 14 Stations of the Cross," said the Rev. Don Nevins, pastor of St. Procopius Catholic Church at 1641 S. Allport St., "and what it is, is a recreation of those, but doing it live."
Father Nevins said this Good Friday procession has only grown over the years.
"I think there's a connection between an immigrant community that's had to suffer a lot - coming across the border, looking for jobs, not having documents and things like that," he said, "I think it associated with that suffering of Jesus."
The number of people working to make the event happen has been growing too.
Volunteers have dedicated countless hours of their time for the big day – and for many participating, it goes beyond religion.
"I'm not Catholic," said volunteer Edwin Molina. "I don't follow any religions."
But Molina is still taking part in the procession – for the first time this year.
"This is all about friendship," he said. "This is all about community."
For coordinator Nellie Quintana, and for the over 100 volunteers, it is also about reaching out to those in need.
"Giving hope to these mothers that have had losses of their children due to violence, or young adults becoming involved in gang violence," said Quintana. "It really touches people's hearts. As you're walking down, processing on 18th Street - the silence that you hear, the prayers of everybody praying as one - I think it's very powerful."
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0