Bensonhurst’s Good Friday Procession of the Dead Christ
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A few early birds gather outside St. Bernadette's
Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
Thousands marched through the streets of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, this Good Friday (March 25th) in the annual Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, candlelight procession commemorating the Passion of Christ. Led by The Most Reverend Bishop Paul Sanchez, 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.
Rotating between the churches, this year Saint Mary Mother of Jesus had the honor of hosting the Benediction and prayer service. Bishop Sanchez 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. As always, it was an honor to march with them.
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| Christ the Redeemer adorned with flowers |
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| The Madonna Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) |
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| The Knights of Columbus served as Honor Guard |
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| Devotees carry the statue of the Dead Christ through the neighborhood |
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| Not far behind the Dead Christ, participants carry Our Lady of Sorrows |
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| Members of the Italian-American Apostolate of St. Mary, Mother of Jesus Parish |
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| Members of the Holy Name Society of Saint Bernadette |
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| Members of St. Dominic's Church |
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| Members of the St. Frances Cabrini Society of Brooklyn |
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| Members of Gruppo Italiano Sant'Atanasio (G.I.S.A.) |
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| Members of Our Lady of Guadalupe |
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| Members of Santa Rosalia Regina Pacis |
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| Thousands gather outside St. Mary Mother of Jesus Church for the prayer service |
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| Teaching the young our faith and traditions |
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| Venerating our Lord and Savior |
