Christians throughout the world and here in Castlegar will be commemorating March 30 as Good Friday.
This year, a small local group plans to gather at City Hall on Good Friday, March 30 at 1 p.m. for what they’re calling a “Crosswalk.”
With a replica cross, the group will walk to a number of locations in the downtown area which symbolize different services within our community. The walk is meant to be meditative and at each “station” there will be a 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 governments be guided by what is right and fair for all.
Explaining the history of the tradition, Rev. Elizabeth Huether explained, “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’ progress from the condemnation of Pilate to his crucifixion and burial.”
When asking what inspired him to take this on, 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.”
The organizers invite all to participate: the young and the not so young, people of all faiths, denominations and beliefs to come together for Castlegar’s initial Crosswalk.
For more information, contact Gerry Sobie at gcsobie@gmail.com or Elizabeth Huether at rev1stdvhp@gmail.com.