GOOD Friday is often a time for reflection, and the parish of St Mary’s and St Joseph’s is inviting people to join them on Friday in a pilgrimage that follows Jesus’s final journey.
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The Way of the Cross is a symbolic journey that will take place at the Orange Botanic Gardens, and encourages people to reflect and pray at 14 different crosses erected in the gardens.
The walk is based on the original pilgrimage in Jerusalem which follows the sites Jesus visited on his journey to his death on the cross, which is now replicated by churches around the world.
Parish priest Father Paul Devitt said the pilgrimage gives people time to remember what Easter is really about.
“The Way of the Cross, or Stations of the Cross, reminds us what Jesus has done for us,” Father Devitt said.
“He gave us the gift of eternal life.”
The pilgrimage will begin at 10.30am and will take a little over an hour, with a group leaving from St Joseph’s Church for the botanic gardens for an extended walk at 9.30am.
Pat Frecklington, who will help set up the crosses at the botanic gardens, said the time for reflection gives him strength to continue his work as a volunteer.
“My faith is a very practical one,” Mr Frecklington said. “I get a lot of happiness from what I do as a volunteer, and the Way of the Cross helps me to remember God loves you.”
Father Devitt said anyone is welcome to join this time of contemplation.
“We find each year people of all faiths and no faiths come along,” he said.
“By doing it in an open space, away from a church, everyone feels like they can join us.”