A cold wind and foggy day did not stop Christians of all denominations from commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
A small group of people huddled together across from the United Church to begin a walk through the downtown area of Ponoka that signifies not only a spiritual test, but a physical one as well. This was the 18th year of the Walk of the Cross in Ponoka, said organizer Dan Helm.
He started the commemoration as a physical reminder of the challenges to being a Christian. “There are things about Christianity that are not easy.”
Symbols of being Christian such as being baptised and communion are major elements of the religion but Helm suggests the Walk of the Cross is another part of his faith.
“This is outdoors. It’s rough. It’s about the ugly things of life,” said Helm.
Christians of all denominations partook in the walk with some offering to carry the large cross that Helm fashioned together many years ago. They stopped at different points along the way to pray and remember Christ.
Helm feels the walk will resonate with individuals who are hurting mentally or spiritually. Ambivalence appears to be his biggest emotion in recent years; Helm said he was torn between the joy at being with other Christians and the intent of the walk, which is more of a solemn occasion rather than celebration.
Despite a smaller crowd due to the cold weather Helm said the walk runs rain or shine. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do and because it resonates,” he concluded.
