Page 13 - Catholic Extension Magazine - Spring 2016

Gallery
Way of the Cross
The Way of the Cross is a devotion that honors Christ’s nal journey of His earthly life. It is based on the 14 signi cant events of His cruci xion — the Stations of the Cross — beginning with His sentencing, continuing with His carrying the cross through Jerusalem and ending with His burial.
Every year on Good Friday, Catholic communities throughout the world re-enact the Way of the Cross with live performances of the story. It is a powerful reminder of Christ’s su ering and sacri ce for us.
In the Diocese of Fresno, California, several par- ishes stage their own versions of Living Stations of the Cross with colorful costumes, long processions and large crowds of pilgrims and onlookers.
This tradition is strong in two towns, Kingsburg and Easton, both of which have signi cant migrant populations.
The procession in Easton, shown here, has more than 400 participants, many of whom are day labor- ers who must sacri ce their daily wages to a end.
The Hispanic ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Fresno, Brenda Noriega — whose
salary Catholic Extension funds — works with faith communities throughout the diocese, including Kingsburg and Easton, to support these annual pro- cessions and to strengthen migrants’ connection to the Church. —PHOTOS BY RICH KALONICK