PHOTOS | A Snowy Via Crucis: 100 Gather for Downtown Way of the Cross on Good Friday

(Photo by Jason Smith)

On Good Friday, a snowstorm did not prevent about 100 people, including families with young children, priests from the Priestly Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo, religious sisters and teenagers, from following the Cross through the streets of Downtown Denver.

The Way of the Cross, sponsored by Communion & Liberation, a lay movement within the Catholic Church, made its way through the heart of the city, stopping under the pillars of Voorhies Memorial in Civic Center Park, the Denver Post building, the balcony of the RTD Station and the Capitol Center’s Patio, before ending near the statue of Pope St. John Paul II on the grounds of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

The annual event became a visible and moving sign of the same love the faithful receive by contemplating Christ’s Passion. The Way of the Cross was a physical reminder of the spiritual reality of Jesus’ enduring presence with his people.

“Christ, the light of our life, helps us in our journey,” Servant of God Luigi Giussani, the founder of Communion & Liberation, once said. “We are rebellious, but we cannot nullify the strength of his love for us, with which he pursues us. Let us implore his help. He says, ‘Here I am!’ His presence is our joy. His joy is our strength. It is the joy of a love that at the end will win.”

(Photos by Jason Smith)

For the participants, the experience was indeed a powerful one of God’s presence; it was more than a physical journey — it was an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice while bearing witness to his love.

 “Our Way of the Cross in Denver was a memorable one, in the snow, cold and wet conditions. Contrasted with the beautiful weather on Easter Sunday (all the snow melted away!), it gave me the opportunity to experience the uncomfortable darkness tangibly—wanting it to end, to go home, and longing for the resurrection, anticipating the light of a new day,” said Mike from Lakewood.

For some participants, the snowstorm heightened the intimacy of the experience.

“Usually, a focal point of the Way of the Cross for me is the passersby. I am there to witness to the people,” Teresa from Broomfield reflected. “Because the weather this year was cold, wet, dark and snowy, there were far fewer people out and about. My experience quickly became far more intimate than before. I was there to witness to the Father my love for the Son. The weather magnified this fact.”

Others found that the event spoke directly to their hearts, wherever they may have been on their spiritual journey.

“This is what makes the Way of the Cross so beautiful: I show up, with my heart in whatever form it is in, and the event of the Way of the Cross, the event of Christ himself, meets me right where I am,” said Laura from Littleton. “I walk the same route, listen to the same prayers and meditations and sing the same songs every year, and yet, miraculously, I walk away changed.”

“In the past, I have always spent the three hours honoring and reflecting on the Passion of Christ inside the Church … by myself, in solitude, praying, reflecting and asking for forgiveness for my role in Christ’s suffering and death. I can only truthfully follow Christ by entering into my faith journey together and with the help of others,” shared John from Broomfield.

For some, the experience of bearing the Cross is also a reminder of God’s grace and strength in the face of suffering.

“While we were walking the Way of the Cross under the snow storm, I thought about the fact that we don't choose the cross that we have to bear, but we are called to embrace the cross that is given to us, and the Lord helps us with his grace so that we don't have to bear it ourselves, but with him,” said Marilú, a Missionary Sister of St. Charles Borromeo in Broomfield.

For each of the 100 participants, the Way of the Cross provided an opportunity to experience firsthand how the journey of the Cross can transform their hearts and minds, whether in the solitude of reflection or the collective unity of shared faith.

As the procession ended, all participants were reminded of the power of Christ’s love and the ultimate joy of his resurrection. The event again underscored the theme of the day: in our imperfections and struggles, Christ’s love continues to lead us, and together, we walk the path toward redemption.

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All are welcome to join the Way of the Cross in Downtown Denver next year, on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. For more information, please visit www.wayofthecrossdenver.org.