Bensonhurst’s Good Friday Procession of the Dead Christ
 |
Devotees carry the statue of the Dead Christ through the neighborhood
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
|
Thousands marched through the streets of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, this Good Friday (April 3rd) in the annual Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, candlelight procession commemorating the Passion of Christ. Led by The Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, members of several Italian American societies and congregations participated, including Saint Athanasius, Saint Dominic, Regina Pacis, Saints Simon and Jude, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Finbar, Saint Mary Mother of Jesus, Saint Bernadette and Saint Frances Cabrini.
Carrying banners, crosses, and statues of the Madonna Addolorata and the Dead Christ, devotees recited prayers and sang hymns during the nearly two-hour-long procession. Fortunately, we were blessed with terrific weather and the rain threatened in the forecast never materialized.
Rotating between the churches, this year Saint Finbar had the honor of hosting the Benediction and brief prayer service. Bishop DiMarzio concluded the outdoor ceremony in English and Italian with a solemn blessing with the Relic of the True Cross.
Before leaving, flowers from the statues were distributed among the women and children. We said our goodbyes and boarded our charted bus back to our parish.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to the organizers for a job well done. Special thanks to John Cordi and the Holy Name Society of Saint Bernadette for their hard work and dedication. It was an honor to march with them.
 |
| Not far behind the Dead Christ, participants carry Our Lady of Sorrows |
 |
| Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio walks in quiet reflection |
 |
| Members of Gruppo Italiano Sant'Atanasio (G.I.S.A.) |
 |
| John Cordi and members of the Holy Name Society of Saint Bernadette |
 |
| Members of the Sacred Heart League and the St. Frances Cabrini Society of Brooklyn join together in song and prayer |
 |
| Members of Our Lady of Guadalupe |
 |
| Members of the Italian-American Apostolate of St. Mary, Mother of Jesus Parish |
 |
| The Knights of Columbus served as Honor Guard |
 |
| It was great to see so many young people participate in this year's procession |
 |
| Bishop DiMarzio offers his blessing with the Relic of the True Cross |
