25th annual Way of the Cross hosted in Saskatoon

(Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

For the past 25 years, people have gathered in Saskatoon to mark Good Friday in the outdoor Way of the Cross.

“It’s an event that kind of ties into the current sufferings that we have in our society today. For example, we look at how all of us at times can be isolated from the poor, from some of the challenges around climate, we can be isolated from those who are trafficked, from new Canadians...the theme is ‘one human family,’” Myron Rogal, coordinator of the Office of Justice and Peace with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, said.

Hundreds of people met at Saskatoon’s Court of King’s Bench, where officials spoke to the significance of Good Friday before the walk began. The prayer walk itself featured a large wooden cross, which was brought to 14 different stations throughout downtown Saskatoon.

“I think it shows how people are looking for something significant like this, where they can share with their community and express their faith in a way that is relevant to their city. And that’s really important. There’s not a lot, it’s really unique,” Lynn Chotowetz, the executive director of Sons and Daughters, said.

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While the event is annually hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, a variety of denominations were represented in the crowd.

“We have Christians Against Poverty, Mennonite Central Committee, we have the Catholic Indigenous parish here, who will be opening with a prayer this morning and we also have those who are working on the human trafficking front, and groups who are working specifically with those in other countries who are living in very horrific situations right now,” Rogal said.

Bishop Chad McCharles of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon also shared that having this variety of denominations in attendance greatly ties into the theme of ‘one family.’

“Good Friday certainly is something all Christians have in common. And so to have so many denominations representing today is really a strong message to Saskatoon into the world, that what we have in common is far more important than what we have in difference,” McCharles said.

Rogal added that the prayer walk carries a message intended to resonate with those of all or any faith, sharing hope that those in attendance left thinking more deeply about injustices across the globe.

“It’s a common day for all Christians and even those who are of no faith sometimes join us on this route because it’s a day to recognize that the resurrection, the crucifixion story was not just a historical event, but really an event that continues to happen today and the sufferings of so many in our society,” Rogal said.