Aurora Parishes Present The Way Of the Cross
As Jesus falls during the annual living Stations of the Cross in Aurora, those who followed the procession kneel in prayer. Aurora police lead the walkers and block city streets from Sacred Heart to St. Nicholas Parish. Bishop David Malloy joins the service, which draws more than 1,000 people for the multi-parish presentation on Good Friday. The parishes take responsibility for the performers at each station. (Observer photos/Margarita Mendoza)
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
April 5, 2018
AURORA—In the morning of March 30, Fulton, Union and Liberty streets in Aurora looked as if they traveled back in space and time to Jerusalem where Jesus died.
Through those streets passed the procession of the Stations of the Cross that started at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish.
There were people with typical costumes of the ancient Holy Land, some wearing makeup to represent a bloodied and beaten Jesus. They were getting ready so the thousands of participants could spend two hours of spiritual reflection on the passion and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
About an hour before the event, which brings together people of all ages, 20 seminarians dressed in their cassocks and surplices, and priests with their dark clerical clothes and stoles, walked from the parish of St. Nicholas to Sacred Heart. They passed through the sunny, spring streets, creating an atmosphere of solemnity that caught the attention of people passing by.
Before the procession started Msgr. Arquímedes Vallejo, pastor of Sacred Heart and Vicar for Hispanic Ministry in the diocese, said “Let’s pray (these Stations of the Cross) to meditate on the sorrows and passion of Our Lord, for your and my salvation.”
At the first station Bishop David Malloy began by reading a prayer asking God for “mercy and forgiveness. Forgive us for our indifference; share with us the fruit of your Spirit, so your death is not in vain. To you be all the honor and glory for ever and ever.”
At each station there were prayers for different intentions and needs in the world today.
Ryan Nooraee a first-year seminarian for the diocese, said he was “feeling pretty good, it is a nice morning.”
“I’m very happy and very honored that God is giving me this calling and so blessed by all the prayers and support” said Theodore Pfundstein, who is in his second year at the seminary.
Among the seminarians was Jhonatan Sarmiento, who will be ordained a priest on June 2.
The Aurora procession is growing every year. Most participants are from Aurora, but some come from the surrounding area to participate in this Lent tradition of the Catholic faith.