Outdoor Way of the Cross returns to Edmonton

07 April 2023

Appears in: Archdiocesan News

After a three-year hiatus, the annual Downtown Outdoor Way of the Cross has returned to Edmonton.

On April 7, Good Friday, between 100-150 people gathered in downtown Edmonton to participate in this annual tradition of carrying a wooden Cross throughout downtown Edmonton as the traditional devotion of the Way of the Cross is prayed and meditated upon.

The theme of this year’s event was “Hope In The Midst Of Crisis.”

Hundreds gather for this traditional devotion.

The Outdoor Way of the Cross started as an Archdiocese of Edmonton event but has grown into an ecumenical community celebration of prayer. As the participants walk with the Cross, they stop for each of the 14 Stations of the Cross. At each station, a presenter leads a meditation on a particular social justice issue, which is reflected upon in light of the Christian call to love as Christ loves us.

One of the event organizers, Linda Winski.

This year, the Way of the Cross began at the Edmonton Immigration Hall and after five other stops, including St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, the event concluded outside of Hope Mission.

Participants took turns carrying the cross.

Organizer Linda Winski shared about the need for new volunteers, to keep this Edmonton tradition going.

“We are really in need of some new people [on the Planning Committee] if this event is going to continue. . . so if anyone is interested in being part of the committee, reach out, maybe with a new vision, new ideas. You would have the support of some of us who have been around for a while!”

Would you be interested in supporting the future of this tradition? For more info, see here.