Christians throughout the world and in Castlegar will commemorate April 19 as Good Friday.
For the second consecutive year, a local interdenominational group plans to gather at City Hall on Good Friday, at 12:30 p.m. for Crosswalk. With a replica cross, the group will walk to a number of locations downtown which represent and symbolize different services within our community.
The walk is meant to be meditative and at each station there will be pause to reflect on the people and needs represented there and offer prayers. For example, at City Hall, there will be prayers that our federal, provincial and municipal elected officials be guided by wisdom and courage to legislate what is right and just for all.
Recalling the history of this tradition, Rev. Elizabeth Huether explains, “This statutory holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week preceding Easter Sunday and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. On Good Friday some Christians practice a devotion called Stations of the Cross, which is a series of 14 representations depicting successive incidents during Jesus’ journey from the condemnation of Pilate to his crucifixion and burial.”
Organizer Gerry Sobie recalled a similar initiative in Cranbrook 15 years ago. “It began with a few people walking a route and praying at City Hall, the war memorial, the courthouse, the women’s shelter, the mental health offices and other symbolic stops,” said Sobie.
“Individuals voluntarily took turns carrying a cross throughout the route and praying for our politicians, our soldiers and peacekeepers, our law enforcers, judges, offenders and victims of crime, those experiencing domestic or other forms of violence, and those who support as well as those dealing with health issues.”
Organizers invite all to participate: the young and the not so young, people of all faiths, denominations and beliefs. For more information, contact Gerry Sobie at gcsobie@gmail.com or Elizabeth Huether at rev1stdvhp@gmail.com.