Faith-based community makes Good Friday pilgrimage around State Capitol

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – People across the world are marking Good Friday with a pilgrimage. In Baton Rouge, hundreds made the journey.

The faithful who wished to commemorate Jesus dying on the cross enjoyed a beautiful day filled with song, camaraderie and prayers.

Errin Gaines with the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge said the stations of the cross were showcased.

Each station told the biblical story of Jesus as he was condemned to death, carried the cross through Jerusalem, and ultimately died on the cross. She said the story was told through spoken word and song.

“It was just great walking throughout downtown,” said Gaines. “We started here at St. Joseph Cathedral. I enjoyed singing ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘How Great Thou Art.’”

Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge said that although this is a somber day for his community, the gorgeous weather served as a reminder that Easter Sunday is coming, a time for celebration.

“We make the connection between Christ and death, with those suffering, and in need of help now. He died, so we might love one another as he has loved us first,” said Duca. “We must reach out to those in need. Today, we suffer with the Lord and his dying. We have advantages that the disciples did not. We know the story doesn’t end on the cross, but through the cross, redemption is won.”

Bishop Duca said that at each station, the sick, dying, abused, imprisoned, and all in need of help are remembered.

St. Joseph Cathedral will host an Easter vigil at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, April 19.

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