Hundreds gather for ‘Via Crucis,’ a Pilsen Good Friday tradition
Usa today news
Wearing a crown of thorns and a white robe stained with splotches of red, a man carried a wooden cross down West 18th Street with hundreds of people behind him.
For the 48th year, Catholic devotees marched during the annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross,” a Good Friday tradition in Pilsen that commemorates the passion and life of Jesus Christ.
“This is just part of our faith,” said Marisol Dominguez, 44, who has been participating in the procession for at least 40 years, adding that, in years past, her mother played one of the 12 women at the foot of Jesus’ cross.
“My mom has always told us that in order for us to give ourselves to God, we just have to walk in his shoes, so as we walk with him, we’re just giving up any troubles that we have.”
As Dominguez walked the milelong stretch of West 18th Street, she prayed for her daughter’s health.
“She’s been having health issues since she was 7, and then everything was going good, and then recently — more health issues,” she said. “But I have faith in God.”
The crowd of several hundred was more sparse than previous years. Dominguez thinks it’s because previous generations who started Via Crucis have been getting older, but she intends to keep bringing her children to keep the tradition going.
It’s the same for Erasmo Martinez, 45, who brought his 7-year-old daughter, Luna Martinez, who was holding the rope that cordons off the actors from the rest of the crowd. It’s a family tradition he hopes to maintain, he said.
“It just feels right,” said Martinez, who played the role of a soldier in previous years. “It’s just a reminder of what Jesus went through. We get to at least be there, a part of it, you know. It brings people together.”
An angel approaches Eduardo Bahena, who is portraying Jesus Christ, during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” Friday on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Eduardo Bahena, portraying Jesus, braces for a slap while wearing a crown of thorns Friday during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The life of Jesus and the passion are portrayed during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” Friday on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
An actor portraying Pontius Pilate reads during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” Friday on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Eduardo Bahena, portraying Jesus, carries a cross Friday during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Hundreds participate in the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” Friday on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A woman carries a child while marching Friday during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Crucifixes are for sale on the street Friday during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Carrying posters that read “What would Jesus do?” a question alluding to the recent ICE deportations, attendees of the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” march Friday on 18th Street in Pilsen.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
An attendee wears sunglasses with Jesus Christ’s image on them during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on 18th Street in Pilsen Friday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Devotees participate in the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” at Harrison Park in Pilsen Friday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Eduardo Bahena, who plays Jesus, wears a crown of thorns on a cross at Harrison Park in Pilsen during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” Friday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The woman who plays Mary cradles Eduardo Bahena, who plays Jesus, during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on West 18th Street in Pilsen Friday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Attendees hold a rope during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on West 18th Street in Pilsen on Friday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Beatriz Lopez carries a crucifix during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on West 18th Street in Pilsen Friday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Eduardo Bahena, who plays Jesus Christ, is on the altar during the 48th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross” on West 18th Street Friday in Pilsen.
