Parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church and other surrounding communities joined together on Friday, April 7 and watched as Jesus was beaten, led through the streets of the City of Newburgh and ultimately crucified during the live procession of the Stations of the Cross heading into the Easter weekend. Several hundred community members followed and prayed during the procession.

Within the Catholic and various Christian faiths, Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, recounts the events of the Passion leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross are various points along the journey leading up to the crucifixion that are either portrayed by actors or are celebrated in various prayer services. “It’s exciting that a lot of people are participating, which is very important. Over 30 years, we’ve been doing this procession,” said Daisy Vale. “We’re hoping that people really put their heart into this procession.”

The procession was spoken and prayed in English and Spanish, and many of the actors performing were members of the congregation at St. Patricks. “It’s beautiful. I actually look forward to today. To see so many young people out with their families come together here in many different languages, this shows the strength the church really has, and it’s a special day,” said Gregory Young. Young also serves as a CCD [Confraternity of Christian Doctrine] teacher at the parish.

“I just think it’s really moving because I did this procession for the first time last year. And I was really moved by it,” said Larry Stewart. “When they do nail Him to the cross, that was, I mean, that was really emotional. You’re not just hearing it but you actually saw it acted out.”

Returning back to Liberty Street, the procession gathered in the rear parking lot of the church where Jesus was stripped of his garments and nailed to the cross. In His last moments, He raised His eyes to heaven and breathed His last.

“I think it’s great that everybody comes together today and emulates what actually happened on Good Friday. I know it means a lot to people, you can tell by their faces that they’re here because they want to be here. No one’s forcing them. And I think that’s great,” said Mike Stewart. “It’s good to know that we’re just a small part of a greater activity that’s going on around the world. It may feel like we’re alone here but the whole world is sharing this experience today.”

“This is my first time. But I think it’s great to see all the members of the community come together for this event, and to celebrate this most holy event that happened many years ago,” said Steve Stewart. “This is an example of people coming together, keeping God in their lives.”

Following His death, Jesus was then removed from the cross and taken to be prepared for burial. Parishioners then made their way inside the St. Patrick’s to pray for the remainder of the afternoon.