Downtown Crosswalk 2022

Article from The State Journal-Register

'For the first time since 2019, an ecumenical group of Springfield faith communities will gather for a public Way of the Cross on Good Friday.

The two-hour prayerful walk commemorates Christ's passion and its connection with the sufferings of injustice experienced in the world today such as war, racism, economic justice and environmental degradation.

The group will begin the walk in front of the Illinois Supreme Court Building at Second Street and Capitol Avenue at noon.

Each stop at a downtown building and institution connects a social justice theme with the place.

The Supreme Court Building reflects on different life issues. Past stops have included the United Nations tree outside the municipal building on Seventh Street between Monroe Street and Capitol Avenue--taking up immigration--and one of the Race Riot commemorative markers, taking up race issues.

Volunteers carry a large cross from station to station. At each stop, part of a hymn is sung and a reflection is given on the particular theme.

The event dates back more than 30 years, but it was scuttled the last two years by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is modeled after a traditional Catholic devotion popular during the Lenten season, said the Rev. Bobbi Dykema, pastor of First Church of the Brethren and one of the organizers of the event.

“(It) takes on meaning for people of every Christian tradition when we make the connection between Jesus’ passion and the sufferings of people throughout the world today,” Dykema said.

Sister Marcelline Koch, a Springfield Dominican, agreed.

“Taking this tradition outside the walls of our churches and putting in on the street —exactly were Jesus would have been 2,000 years ago — helps make what he endured more immediate,” she said.'

Photo Gallery of the 2022 Crosswalk from The State Journal-Register