Walking where Jesus walked

Last night Norwich hosted the annual Way of the Cross Procession. This walk commemorates Jesus last hours as he carries his cross to Golgotha. Many years ago this tradition was part of the Roman Catholic observances on Good Friday in Norwich. The Bishop would lead the procession and carry the cross from Chelsea Parade to the Cathedral. There were stops along the way where reflections were read and hymns were sung.

Back in the mid 1990's the Bishop Hart invited the leaders of the Prostestant Churches to participate in the walk. That first year we combined the walk with our traditional evening service. That made for a long night as we walked from Chelsea Parade down to United Congregational Church and then enjoyed a service with hymns and a sermon.

The second year we shortened the service by including a short drama instead of the sermon. By the fourth year we decided to make major modifications. We gave up the a worship service at the end and incorporated a new text and several new hymns into the procession. The service included scripture readings and short reflections which were greeted with enthusiasm by the Protestant clergy.

In recent years we made more modifications in the service as we included stations read in Creole and Spanish as well as English. Today between 150 to 300 people participate each year. The truth is that I find the Way of the Cross one of the most meaningful services of the year. Carrying the cross is an humbling experience and listening to the story as you walk behind the cross, really brings it all home.

Cal