ST. GEORGE – Many St. George and surrounding area churches came together for the seventh annual Stations of the Cross at Bluff Street Park in St. George Utah on Friday, April 6.
Over 200 people enjoyed the day as they worshiped together while commemorating the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Members from the various churches took turns carrying the cross as the pastor prayed. Between each station participants sang “Were You There.”
The Stations of the Cross – also called Via Dolorosa, or Way of the Cross – is a devotion to the Passion of Christ consisting of prayer and meditations on fourteen occurrences experienced by Christ on His way to the crucifixion and burial. The origin of this devotion goes back to the custom of visiting the holy sites in Jerusalem.
Mayor Dan McArthur was in attendance at the event, and said: “This group meeting for all of our citizens no matter what our faith brings us all together. It is a great event and I’m just pleased to know that our faith community…gets along with one another and comes together to celebrate, which makes us a better family of St. George citizens.”
Pastor Jimi Kestin of Solomons Porch said the people of St. George come together during Good Friday and celebrate Holy Week, contributing to a spirit of unity that sets St. George apart from so many places in this country.
“As we rejoice as Christians we can celebrate together and come together on Holy Week,” Kestin said.
Rev. Lee Montgomery from Spirit of the Desert Episcopal Church in Kayenta said how wonderful it was to gather all the churches together in an ecumenical activity to celebrate religious commonalities.
“It’s a pleasure to have such a good turnout and it’s marvelous to see this many people come together during this time of the year,” Montgomery said.
Rev. Catherine Gregg from Grace Episcopal Church said: “This is the day that differences dissolve. The only thing that matters is people and we are here together.”
“This was a wonderful tradition and it’s great seeing the community and churches working together,” said Penny Wilke from St. George Community Church.
This was the general consensus from most that participated.
Jason Ross Jr., 4, stated said he got to go to the park and walk in the road for Jesus. When asked why he was walking in the road for Jesus he stated that “Jesus died for us and saved us.”
Jason’s mother, Jessica Ross, was excited about taking part in the Stations of the Cross today. “What a great way to celebrate holy week,” she said. “I love knowing that because of what Jesus did on the cross for me I am free.”
St. George resident Sandie Divan provided this article for St. George News. Readers can follow her blog at Senseless Rambling of the Mindless.