- December 21, 2024
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The crowd gathers in front of Regal Hollywood before the walk.
Photo by Ian SwabyWalkers step off a trolley in front of Regal Hollywood.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe walk begins with Rev. David Svihel, priest associate for Christian formation and outreach at Church of the Redeemer, carrying the cross, with County Commissioner Joe Neunder (left) also participating.
Photo by Ian SwabySharon and John Marshall follow the crowds on Main Street.
Photo by Ian SwabyRhett Morton of the Church of the Redeemer Youth Group speaks at the 9th station.
Photo by Ian SwabyPastor Linette McClelland of Center of Hope Church reads her event program while listening to a speaker.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe crowd, led by David Svihel, priest associate for Christian formation and outreach at Church of the Redeemer, crosses South Links Avenue.
Photo by Ian SwabyFritz Maxwell of Church of the Redeemer speaks at the 2nd station.
Photo by Ian Swaby17-year-old Sofia Giannella and her mother Rose Giannella exchange a few words during the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby6-year-old Colin Fletcher watches a speaker from the shoulders of his father Ben Fletcher.
Photo by Ian SwabyDeacon Humberto Alvia of St. Jude Catholic Church reads a passage in Spanish.
Photo by Ian SwabyWesley Tunstall, pastor of Koinonia Missionary Baptist Church and True Worship Church, and founder and CEO of Newtown Community Ministries United, speaks at the 5th station.
Photo by Ian Swaby7-year-old Levi Siljestrom takes a rest on the shoulder of his mother Casey Siljestrom.
Photo by Ian SwabyCity of Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie participates in the walk.
Photo by Ian SwabyNadija Packauskas kneels during a prayer.
Photo by Ian SwabyWalkers gather at the front of Church of the Redeemer as the walk ends.
Photo by Ian SwabySamantha Zeller and Allison Sneed
Photo by Ian SwabyChurch of the Redeemer members Mason Ayres and Laura Burness helped organize the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyAfter the walk, Reed Bauer receives a flower from 2-year-old Anna Bauer, as Beth Cave watches.
Photo by Ian SwabyJacki Boedecker, Sherry Erb, Anneliese Floyd, and Susan Kruger
Photo by Ian SwabyWalkers head inside Church of the Redeemer as the walk ends.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlthough it was difficult to keep count among the crowd flowing down Main Street on the morning of Good Friday, Craig Burness, leader of the Men’s Ministry at Church of the Redeemer, said the hope of 1,000 attendees might have been met.
Despite the event’s growth over time, he said the basic setup of the Stations of the Cross walk hasn’t changed since the ministry founded the event 22 years ago. It has since become a partnership between the church and the Sarasota Ministerial Association.
“We’re just carrying on that tradition and keeping it simple and effective,” Burness said.
Sarasota's Stations of the Cross tradition — and observances around the world — drew inspiration from the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa is the path Jesus Christ is believed to have walked to reach Mount Calvary, the site of his crucifixion.
The Stations of the Cross walk comprises 14 stops, each representing part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.
The three-quarter-mile journey, which extended from the Regal Hollywood theater to the doors of the Church of the Redeemer, drew the participation of clergy and members of numerous area churches, as well as County Commissioner Joe Neunder and City of Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie.
Meanwhile, attendees both new and returning could be found.
Erma Sanders said she was glad to discover the event after living for three years in Sarasota, having participated in a Stations of the Cross event in her former home of Cincinnati.
“I thought, 'I need Jesus back in my life,' and this seemed like a good place to start,” she said.
Christine Bonilla said she discovered the event for the first time after her small women’s Bible study group decided to take a “field trip.”
“This is a great way to start Easter Weekend,” she said. “It’s definitely a blessing to be out here.”
“It’s the first time we’ve done it,” said Bob Sikkel. “It’s a special thing to do on a special day.”
Loyal attendees were also found among the participants.
“It’s been countless times for me,” said Mason Ayres.
