Hundreds turn out to watch Via Crucis in Pilsen

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Good Friday brings hundreds of people to watch the Via Crucis in Pilsen.

It is a tradition that has been going on for 49 years. For Catholics, this is a humbling experience to get see first-hand during Holy Week.

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"It's sad and heartwarming. It's a lot of emotions," said Pilsen Via Crucis attendee Talissa Guererro.

For Guerrero, attending the Pilsen Via Crucis has been a family tradition. She is now bringing her 10-year-old son to experience it.

"I would come with my grandmother all the time, and my sisters walk here. And then, I started bringing him, and he really enjoys it," Guererro said.

The event is hosted in the heart of Pilsen along 18th Street. It is a reenactment of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross along a solemn procession route. The scenes showcase Jesus' final days, including the Last Supper and a reenactment of the crucifixion.

"The Stations of the Cross is the Passion of the Christ. This is where Jesus was sentenced to die, and this is the cornerstone of our catholic faith. This is what us Catholics use to draw strength throughout the year, in our times we face desperate times," said Pilsen Via Crucis coordinator Jason Rodriguez. "We look at what Jesus had suffered, and we try to apply that to our lives and understand that we can make it through whatever is troubling us."

The procession allows people to pray and reflect. Organizers say this year's Via Crucis carries a much deeper meaning for Latino Catholics in Chicago.

"In light of recent activity with ICE, there was a bit of a hush tone of the event. But I think each year, we come out as a sign of strength that, you know, this won't stop. We're here for those of us that can't be out and live our lives," Rodriguez said.

Organizers say the person who acted as Jesus during the Via Crucis is a DePaul University student as the Catholic Church looks to get more young people involved.

The event wraps up with a closing prayer at Saint Pius Church.