Hundreds of faithful in Sarasota region to observe Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

Hundreds of faithful from multiple congregations across the Sarasota region, including 14 denominations and 27 ministers, will participate on Good Friday in the Stations of the Cross pilgrimage along Main Street in downtown Sarasota.

The Stations of the Cross began in mid-15th century Jerusalem and the tradition is now celebrated in over 200 countries on Good Friday. On March 29 in Sarasota and around the world, the pilgrimage marks 14 Biblically recorded events that happened to Jesus on his way to crucifixion.

This is the 23rd year that Sarasota has observed the tradition, and the free event has attracted residents from throughout the region as well as visitors.

The Stations of the Cross Walk is hosted by Church of the Redeemer in collaboration with the Sarasota Ministerial Association. The Redeemer’s Men’s Breakfast Prayer Group started the event in 1996. At that time, about 15 people participated. In 2023, the event had grown to nearly 1,000 people.

Parking is available at the last station (Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave.). Trolleys will offer free transportation from Redeemer to the first station (Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St.) starting at 6 a.m. Pilgrims will begin to gather at 7 a.m. in front of Regal Hollywood.

Father Charleston Wilson, Rector of Church of the Redeemer, will welcome those gathered and the pilgrimage will begin at 7:20 a.m. City Commissioner Kyle Battie and Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith will preside over the first station, and other local leaders will participate throughout the event. Escorts from the Sarasota Police Department will facilitate the event, allowing pilgrims to safely walk down the center of Main Street.

Participants are expected to reach the final station at about 8:30 a.m. At that time, pilgrims will be invited to attend a brief prayer service inside Church of the Redeemer. The event will take place in (light) rain or shine.

For more information about the Stations of the Cross, call Church of the Redeemer at 941-955-4263. For more information about the Sarasota Ministerial Association, email the Rev. Tom Pfaff at ChaplainTomPfaff@Gmail.com.

Submitted by Grier Ferguson