CANORA - An Easter tradition celebrated worldwide, made its debut in Canora.
On Good Friday, April 7, the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church held a Way of the Cross Walk.
Around 40 participated. People came from the surrounding area and from different churches to join the walk.
The walk commemorated Jesus’ last day as a man. The procession stopped 14 times to mark the events of that day, beginning with Jesus’ condemnation and ending with Jesus being laid in the tomb. At each stop, a prayer was read, with the crowd responding, “Lord Jesus, help us to walk in your steps.” The process is known by Catholics as the Stations of the Cross.
“Walking the way of the Cross means honoring Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross by living the life model that he gave us – walking the way of love,” said Lynda Statchuk, the organizer of the event. “The cross teaches us that forgiveness takes sacrifice, even on our part toward others.”
The walk started at the Roman Catholic Church on Fourth Avenue East. Participants then travelled south on Third Street to Eighth Avenue East, west on Eighth Avenue to First Street, north on First Street to Fourth Avenue West, east on Fourth Avenue West to Main Street, north on Main Street to Third Avenue East, east on Third Avenue East to Third Street and south on Third Street back to the church.
“The community/churches in the area had the opportunity to pray and reflect on the scriptural way of the cross. Reflections at each of the 14 stations were shared by individuals of all ages. Chants were sung while walking from station to station,” Statchuk said.
Statchuk organized the walk in Wadena when she was living there and decided to bring it to her new parish in Canora.
“I wanted to bring it to the community of Canora as I felt it was a moving experience that all would enjoy. Rain, snow or sunshine, the walk happens.”
Statchuk acknowledged the help of volunteers to make the walk possible.
“Christ sacrificed for all of us, so we can sacrifice one day to walk in his steps,” she said.
