Episcopal, Catholic congregations gather for Stations of the Cross

WAIMEA — Rain didn’t stop congregations at St. James Episcopal Church and Annunciation Catholic Church from joining together on Good Friday to participate in Stations of the Cross.

Also known as the Way of the Cross, the group of about 75 people walked through the grounds of the Catholic and Episcopal churches Friday afternoon to remember the last day in the life of Jesus Christ up to his crucifixion and burial.

One person carried a cross throughout the grounds as the group followed singing:”Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”

“For Christians the Way of the Cross is a way of life,” said Rev. David Stout with St. James. “The Way of the Cross just brings it so participatory.”

The group stopped 14 times and to read and recite about Christ’s last moments on Earth, starting with his death sentence and ending with his burial in the tomb.

“This reminds us how to live as Christians,” said St. James priest Marnie Keator.

Marci Yardley of Waimea has attended the Stations of the Cross multiple times in past years. She said she likes the experience.

“It’s solemn,” Yardley said. “It makes me acknowledge and realize what Jesus had to go through.”

Robert Ewing also walked along the Stations of the Cross. He has participated in the Good Friday event in different locations over the years, but this was his first time in Waimea.

He said he finds the ceremony uplifting and inspiring.

“There’s a possibility for salvation for us all,” he said.

Ewing added Good Friday is a time of anticipation, then Easter is the resurrection.

“It’s quiet from now until Sunday,” he said.

As the group gathered around the last station, they ended the mini-pilgrimage reciting in unison: “God of life and God of death, give us hope and trust in the resurrection, even in our darkest moments.”