The solemn Good Friday procession, a tradition in the Hispanic Catholic community in the diocese, will return to Cleveland’s West Side on April 18. In the past, more than 100 people have joined the procession that visits three Hispanic Catholic churches. Some walk the entire route; some visit one or two churches and some with health issues drive to the churches and meet the group for prayer.
The faithful will gather at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 3114 Scranton Road, Cleveland, for prayer before setting out at 11 a.m. As they process through the West Side, they sing and pray the rosary. They are led by acolytes and members of the clergy. A police escort guides the group as they walk to St. Colman Church, 2027 W. 65th St., Cleveland.
A man dressed as Jesus carries a large wooden cross as the group walks through the streets. Others carry a large statue of the crucified Jesus and another group carries a statue of the Blessed Mother dressed in black. Some participants dress as Roman soldiers.
At each church, they stop to rest and pray. The first part of the Passion liturgy will take place at St. Colman. When they reach the last church, Sagrada Familia, 7719 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, they walk through the parish hall and the Carpets of Holy Week. The colorful carpets, primarily made from sawdust, are assembled on the floor by various organizations and parish groups. Work on the carpets began on Palm Sunday, April 13, and will be completed by April 16. The public is invited to view the carpets all day on Holy Thursday, April 17.
After arriving at Sagrada Familia, they will participate in the second part of the Passion liturgy. Some remain for silent prayer before departing.
