Hundreds turn out to walk the Stations of the Cross

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Hundreds of people gathered on Sarasota’s Main Street to participate in the Good Friday tradition of walking the Stations of the Cross.

The event was organized by the Sarasota Ministerial Association.

The Stations of the Cross commemorates 14 significant events in the story of Jesus Christ between the time he is condemned to death and when is laid in the tomb.

“What we do today is in remembrance of the great gift of God’s love for us -- is death on the cross,” said The Rev. Charleston Wilson, rector of the Church of the Redeemer on Palm Avenue.

“And we gather as 22 church communities, because Jesus said when he was lifted high on the cross, he would draw the whole world to himself. This is the fulfillment of that promise,” he said.

As the crowd wound its way down Main Street, many were happy to gather together in person. Last year, COVID restrictions prompted the Ministerial Association to do a hybrid in-person and online event.

“I’m here because it’s the first time after the pandemic that I could come,” one woman told ABC7. “And I like to be here with the people of Sarasota coming together in community and faith.”

Wilson said walking the stations can be a very personal experience. “I think so many people come because deep inside of us, whether we recognize it or not, is the very spirit of God.,” he said.

“And this is a very intimate way, a very physical way to follow the Lord as we walk in his footsteps.”

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