Walking with Christ through the city
Stations of the Cross procession brings hope to Montego Bay
Published:Saturday | April 19, 2025 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
On a quiet Good Friday afternoon, the streets of Montego Bay, St James, were transformed into a sacred journey of reflection, as the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral led a citywide observance of the Stations of the Cross.
In a powerful public display of faith, the congregation, clergy, and curious onlookers walked through 15 carefully chosen locations, each symbolising a moment in Christ’s journey to Calvary and ultimate Resurrection.
At each station, prayers were offered, songs were sung, and moments of stillness and kneeling brought to life the suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate redemption of Jesus Christ.
“It’s the day when our Saviour took up the cross and redeemed us from our sinfulness,” said Father Edward Mutunga, assistant director of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.
“We do this every year on Good Friday, commemorating what happened over 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked the road to Calvary to save us from our sins.”
As participants journeyed through the city streets, the faithful knelt at each station, responded in unison, and sang hymns, an embodiment of placing themselves in the footsteps of Christ.
“These are the steps our Saviour Himself took,” Father Mutunga continued.
“He was innocent, yet gave Himself freely. So how much more, we who are sinners, must offer ourselves, do penance, and remind ourselves how deeply we need a Saviour.”
‘HEARTS WILL BE TOUCHED’
This year’s procession drew both admiration and curiosity from Montego Bay residents. While some joined in, others watched quietly from sidewalks, and a few reacted with confusion or laughter. But the message remained unwavering.
“You’ll expect all kinds of people, those who engage and those who don’t understand,” said Father Mutunga.
“But we take heart from Jesus’ own words: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ Our mission is to evangelise, and we believe that even those who laugh may reflect later and be touched by the Holy Spirit.”
Born in Kenya and now serving in Montego Bay, Father Mutunga sees his role as part of a greater calling. “This mission of Christ is not only for us who believe. Jesus came to save everyone. We believe through the Holy Spirit, hearts will be touched – even if not immediately,” he said.
As the procession reached its final station, symbolising the Resurrection, the message of Easter was clear: from pain comes hope, from death comes life, and from sacrifice comes salvation.
In the heart of Montego Bay, amid the noise of the city, a path was cleared for prayer, purpose, and peace.