Chicago-area Christians continue Good Friday traditions

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Christians across the Chicago area are continuing traditions remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.

In the city's Pilsen neighborhood, hundreds are keeping a longtime tradition alive, focusing on the religious and spiritual aspects of Holy Week.

"It's very amazing and also very sad to see what he did in life for us," said Rosa Blanco, a Pilsen resident.

It's called Via Crucis, the Living Stations of the Cross. This re-enactment has been a Good Friday tradition in Pilsen since the 1970s.

"It's overwhelming, it just brings so much joy," said Chris Sandoval, a Pilsen resident. "It's spiritual-filled, it's unexplainable. I knew I was going to feel this way, but as soon as I touched the cross I started tearing."

It begins at Providence of God Church Parish, where hundreds watch a play of the Last Supper, and continues on to 18th Street. Eight Roman Catholic churches organize this every year.

"It's a tradition for my family, we've been living in Pilsen for years and it's sharing what Christ has done," Blanco said. "The sorrow, the pain, everything he has done for us."

Bolingbrook resident Roman Rodriguez says it's about faith.

"We need to practice, we need to do this again and again, and we need to deepen our faith," Rodriguez said.

Via Crucis ends at St. Adalbert, where Archbishop Blase Cupich offers a closing prayer.

"It's very nice to see that he's here in Pilsen, sharing the stations of the cross and being part of the community," Blanco said.

It's an Easter message of resurrection and starting anew.

"Starting fresh again, opening out and starting a new agenda," Sandoval said.

Archbishop Blase Cupich is celebrating Holy Week for the first time as Chicago's archbishop, as he hosted a mass at Holy Name Cathedral Friday evening.