Christians to remember suffering of Jesus

Local Christians can take up their cross -- literally -- during downtown The Way of the Cross devotional parade Good Friday, April 18.

The 14th annual cross walk is a symbolic re-enactment of Jesus' passion and resurrection through downtown Cape Girardeau; Christians from all denominations are invited to partake.

Participants will embark at noon from the courtyard gazebo of the Common Pleas Court House on Lorimier Street and stop for prayers and meditation at 14 spots along the 1.2-mile route running from Broadway to Pacific Street before heading East on Independence Street and returning to the Common Pleas courtyard.

Eva Hillis, who has participated in the last five cross walks, says that stopping and praying at different locations around town makes the event more than just a religious exercise.

"They're universal social justice themes," she said. "We stop at The Discovery Playhouse to pray for children and their caregivers, and we stop at the fire and police departments to pray for first responders. It really becomes a communitywide event."

The Cape Ministerial Alliance is responsible for putting on the event, and CMA organizer Pastor Dan Johnson said the annual success of the devotional parade is because of the sense of community as witnessed by Hillis.

"It comes from seeing multiple denominations who can all walk and pray together," he said.

Although all are invited, the event remains first and foremost a way to prepare for the Easter celebration. Johnson explained that for many of the faithful, re-enacting the sacrifice of Jesus represents a unique way to engage with their faith. Individuals may take a turn in carrying the cross.

"Generally, it makes it more vivid and intense emotionally, but it is also a very pleasant experience," he said. "It's very specific to each individual."

The Rev. Stan Hargis, who works at Southeast Hospice, has been a part of the cross walk for the last 10 years and said that commemorating Christ's passion in public makes the prayers more meaningful.

"It's a great way for the church to get outside of its walls," he said.

Hargis is the event's musical director. He and an array of acoustic instrumentalists will accompany the procession and lead participants in hymns and other songs of worship at several of the stops along the route. To Hargis, the music represents another chance for people to come together regardless of the denomination of which they are a member.

"Since the songs we use aren't specific to one church or another, the singing gives us a common expression," he said. "They also provide an opportunity for people who are doing the walk to participate directly."

The event is expected to take two hours and the route has been altered from past events to avoid unnecessary hills. Centenary Church will provide a bus to follow the procession for those who wish to participate but are unable to walk all or part of the route.. Bottled water will be provided.

In the past, The Way of the Cross has drawn crowds of 75 to 200 people depending on weather conditions. Old St. Vincent's Church on Spanish Street has been designated as the alternate venue in the event of inclement weather. No registration is required and the CMA says there will be ample parking nearby.