April 19, 2014

Via Crucis – The Way of the Cross

Bensonhurst’s Good Friday Procession of the Dead Christ
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
Yesterday, members of several Italian American Catholic societies gathered outside Edward B. Shallow Junior High (6500 16th Ave.) in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn for the annual Good Friday Candlelight Procession. Despite the unseasonably cold weather, celebrants showed up in force to participate in this wonderful tradition. Led by the Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, we made our way through the neighborhood praying and reciting in Italian the Way of the Cross. The nearly two-hour long procession concluded outside St. Dominic Church (2001 Bay Ridge Parkway) for the Benediction with the Relic of the True Cross. Following the closing ceremony, parishioners lined up to receive flowers, say a prayer and touch the statues of the Madonna Addolorata and Dead Christ.