Text: Joseph Dias
Pics Rons Bantwal - Daijiworld News Network Mumbai

Mumbai, April 14, Good Friday: Thousands of people from all denominations joined in the annual walking pilgrimage to mark Good Friday. This is the only one of its kind programme in India and has been appreciated in Christian circles widely, even abroad. The CROSS, which pioneered and continued this tradition for over the last almost two decades, enacted the suffering, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the streets of Khar, Vakola and Kalina. Tens of thousands of prayerful and fasting Christians, from various parts of the city, expressed solidarity with suffering Christians, on whom attacks are increasing throughout the country.

The procession began from Sacred Heart Church, Khar (W), 10.30 am onwards and proceeded across the western express highway towards Kalina-Kurla and concluded at St Charles Convent, Vakola, Santacruz (E). This was also a prayerful-peaceful protest against misrepresentation of Christianity, Christians and the Church by vested interests.

The recent Gospel of Judas and the movie to be made, based on the controversial bestseller, Da Vinci Code were cited as examples. 

The walking pilgrimage had a tableau depicting various Calvary (place where Jesus was crucified) scenes, with biblical characters acting out the arrest and the last few hours of what is believed happened over 2000 years ago.

This was done at various locations on the streets, with mobile hi-fi sound and special effects. The objective was also to acquaint non-Christians of what happened on this day, when Christ was unjustly put to death and also offer Christians an opportunity to do penance and stand in solidarity with other Christians who are suffering human rights violations.