The start of the Neighborhood Way of the Cross, from St. Nicholas Catholic Church. The Good Friday route was three miles. Credit: Richard Cahan
More than 200 members of St. John XXIII Parish walked the Neighborhood Way of the Cross on Good Friday, reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus as they prepared for Easter.
They walked three miles from St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 806 Ridge Ave., stopping at 10 stations on a route that took them through the heart of Evanston.
“It really came out of our sense of peace and justice,” said Sister Christina Fuller, a retired staff member of the church. “The stops were built upon places here in Evanston where there is a need for justice or where justice is happening.”
The walk, a tradition that dates back about 30 years, also shows solidarity with people suffering in the world today, she said. “You can’t but help think about those folks when you are walking.”
Audio from the March 29, 2024, Neighborhood Way of the Cross, recorded by Lisa Jacob.
After walking for more than two hours, marchers completed the final four Stations of the Cross back at St. Nicholas.
“Everything went well,” said church member Edgar Vega, who organized the event. He spent months figuring out who would portray which roles and worked with the Evanston Police Department in protecting marchers along the winding route.
“This is important to us all.” he said.
(Photos by Richard Cahan.)
Members of St. John XXIII Parish gather outside St. Nicholas Catholic Church at 806 Ridge Ave. for the Neighborhood Way of the Cross on Good Friday. Credit: Richard CahanThe group heads east down Washington Street in the morning light. Credit: Richard CahanMen portraying Roman soldiers reenact the flogging of Jesus. Credit: Richard CahanJesus Balavez, a member of St. Nicholas Church, played the role of Jesus. Here he heads down Elmwood Avenue. Credit: Richard CahanThe drum kept the beat of the procession. “It very much lends that attitude of somberness and prayerfulness that we want,” said Sister Christina Fuller. Credit: Richard CahanMany along the route pause to watch and record the event. Credit: Richard CahanVolunteers help carry the cross. “It’s an act of grace when different people come up and help, because the cross is heavy,” Fuller said. Credit: Richard CahanThe group turns west on Lake Street. Evanston police stopped traffic along the route. Credit: Richard CahanA stop outside St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1012 Lake St., part of St. John XXIII Parish. Credit: Richard CahanMany dressed as characters to tell the crucifixion story. Credit: Richard CahanPeople prayed and sang along the route. “Singing is to help us be prayerful as we go from station to station,” Fuller said. Credit: Richard CahanThe group prayed in English, Spanish and French to reflect the major languages in the parish. Some church members come from French-speaking Haiti. Credit: Richard CahanRoman soldiers take a position on Lake Street outside the Merrick Rose Garden. Credit: Richard Cahan“It’s right that we all take our turns carrying the cross or want to do that symbolically, again in solidarity,” said Fuller. Credit: Richard Cahan“One of the great things about the parish is that you don’t just celebrate Easter as spring, although spring is a part of it. … You celebrate it after having experienced the death,” Fuller said. Credit: Richard CahanThe faithful walk past spring flowers as they head north on Ridge Avenue. Credit: Richard CahanAbout half the parishioners at St. Nicholas Church are Hispanic. The Way of the Cross is an essential part of their Good Friday tradition. Credit: Richard CahanWalking past mansions on Ridge Avenue. Credit: Richard CahanCarrying the cross. “It’s a marvelous privilege,” Fuller said. Credit: Richard CahanA stop on Greenwood Street during the long walk back to the church. Credit: Richard Cahan
Richard Cahan takes photos for the Evanston RoundTable. He also is publisher of CityFiles Press, a small but mighty media company that believes in the power of words and pictures. You can reach him at...
More by Richard Cahan
Join the Conversation
1 Comment
The RoundTable will try to post comments within a few hours, but there may be a longer delay at times. Comments containing mean-spirited, libelous or ad hominem attacks will not be posted. Your full name and email is required. We do not post anonymous comments. Your e-mail will not be posted.
A beautiful job documenting the Community Stations of the Cross by members of St. John XXlll parish. The coalescing of a 2,000 year old event with today’s problems and issues and prayerfully reflecting on both is a gift to Evanston.
A beautiful job documenting the Community Stations of the Cross by members of St. John XXlll parish. The coalescing of a 2,000 year old event with today’s problems and issues and prayerfully reflecting on both is a gift to Evanston.