Large gathering of devoted followers attend outdoor Way of the Cross ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral

A large crowd participated in the Way of the Cross Friday in Calgary, including Mike Hassel, who carried it. Timm Bruch reports.

Hundreds of Calgarians attended an outdoor ceremony for the Way of the Cross at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Good Friday morning.

The Way of the Cross is a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.

The outdoor Way of the Cross is a devotional walk that takes participants through downtown and back to the cathedral on 18 Avenue S.W. in the Beltline, offering prayers for peace, for those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, for grieving families, victims of human trafficking, those struggling with addiction, for the unborn, those who have lost hope and for the departed.

“I think it’s a sign that we see in humanity, the aspect of suffering, sometimes injustice,“ said William McGrattan, Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary.

“So as Christians, we see that this devotion helps us unite with most people throughout our city who are experiencing that.”

For Mike Hassel, who carried the cross, the event represents the true meaning of Easter for Christians.

“I’ve been carrying the cross for a number of years, ever since the passing of my father,” Hassel said. “It just kind of reminds me about the whole theme of Easter resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, that religious theme will turn celebratory to represent Christ’s rise from the dead.

But before that can happen, Friday was about supporting those who need it.

“We all have a cross, we will bear,” Hassel added. “It’s kind of a physical as well as mental, spiritual aspect of Easter.”

Volunteer Vince Greco was impressed by the turnout.

“I am very surprised with how many people are here,” he said. “It’s a really good turnout. The weather is awesome. It will be an awesome day.”

The event drew over 2,500 people in 2025.

Temporary road closures were in effect as the procession passes through downtown.

Similar Way of the Cross events were held Friday in Montreal, the Philippines and Italy.

With files from CTV News’ Timm Bruch and Mason DePatie