They walk for forgiveness
(http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... S1.article)

April 7, 2007

By RYAN PAGELOW rpagelow@scn1.com

WAUKEGAN -- Despite a biting wind that felt more like Christmas week than Easter week, more than 1,200 faithful walked three miles from Immaculate Conception Church to Holy Family Parish in a Good Friday re-enactment of the final hours of Jesus.

Dressed in winter coats, they walked for forgiveness, for tradition and to give thanks.

Carlos Sanchez of Waukegan walked with his six kids to thank God for his recovery from an accident installing a fireplace in February that left his right arm and torso with second- and third-degree burns.

"I brought the whole family to give thanks that God gave me a second chance and we're together again," Sanchez said.

He also said he brings his kids so they can continue the tradition of re-enacting the Stations of the Cross, which is common in Latin America where most of the spectators on Friday have roots.

Wearing a winter hat, scarf and gloves, Rev. Armando Ramirez of Holy Family said not even the cold would deter parishioners from coming out for the Passion of Christ. The day devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe Day on Dec. 12 is the only religious holiday that rivals the number of people that come out for the Good Friday celebrations in Spanish each year.

"Whether raining or snowing, the people will still come out into the street to accompany us," Ramirez said. "Hispanic people identify with sacrifice."

This is the first time the community of the three churches Holy Family, Immaculate Conception and Queen of Peace have united to hold a Stations of the Cross procession in the streets of Waukegan. In previous years, re-enactments have been held in Belvidere Park and in the parking lot behind Holy Family.

Friday's procession, including more than 30 actors in costumes, started on West Street, went west on Julian Street, north on Ash Street, west on Porter Street, then south on the bicycle trail to Melrose Avenue heading west, south on Orchard Avenue, west on Dodge Avenue and south on Keller until finally arriving at Holy Family Parish.

Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and the parish's youth group directed spectators where to walk.

An ambulance was called for someone who had a seizure along the way but otherwise the procession of 1,200 people was smooth, said Sgt. Anthony Joseph of the Waukegan Police Department.

"Besides the traffic congestion we didn't have any problems and we're happy with the outcome," Joseph said.

Maria Camacho, event coordinator, said people are already talking about planning next year and adding some English to the Spanish dialogue.

"I don't know if bilingual is the word. We'll have some parts in English and some in Spanish," she said.

Because the Biblical story of Jesus is so well known among the Catholic faithful, it's not necesary that they understand every word of dialogue, she said, and points to the popularity of Mel Gibson's movie "Passion of the Christ" which was in Aramaic with English subtitles.

Pushing a stroller, Ana Maria Vazquez of Waukegan, said she comes to the Stations of the Cross re-enactments every year.

"My mom always taught me to continue this tradition," Vazquez said. "So I'm teaching my kids."