DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The Catholic lay movement Communion and Liberation will lead the Way of the Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. This annual procession, which has been sponsored for almost 30 years, is particularly significant this year as Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians will walk together, symbolizing unity in their faith.
The procession will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. James, located at 250 Cathedral Place. Participants will be greeted by Bishop Robert Brennan, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America before embarking on their journey across the iconic bridge. The event will feature pauses along the way for Gospel passages, choral music, and selected readings that reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
After crossing the bridge, the procession will conclude at the Orthodox Shrine of St. Nicholas at the World Trade Center at 1:30 p.m. This shrine was rebuilt after the original sanctuary on Cedar Street was destroyed during the September 11 attacks.
Reflecting on the significance of this year's event, Jonathan Fields, who carried the cross during the first procession in 1996, noted that the joint participation of Roman Catholics and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is particularly meaningful. "This dual participation commemorates the rare occurrence of Easter set for April 20 on the calendars of both rites," Fields remarked.
Cardinal Dolan's invitation to Archbishop Elpidophoros to join the procession highlights the spirit of unity that the event aims to foster. Fields, who is also the music director at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Dyker Heights, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "It’s kind of a different year for us, affirming this unity, given how much disunity is going around."
Communion and Liberation, founded by Monsignor Luigi Giussani in 1954, has a strong presence in the United States and over 70 countries worldwide. It focuses on encouraging individuals to live their faith daily, not just during church services. Fields, a charter member of the New York City chapter, shared his personal connection to the movement, saying, "(It) helps us to live our faith in daily life, to look for Christ in our normal daily lives, not just on weekends."
The idea for a Good Friday procession across the Brooklyn Bridge was inspired by Father Giussani, who admired the bridge's gothic arches and towers but felt something was missing. In the late 1990s, organizers decided to make the procession public and place a cross in front of the bridge's arches. "We thought, ‘Well, why don’t we do it really publicly, and try it over the Brooklyn Bridge, and put the cross in front of the arches?’" Fields recalled.
The first procession in 1996 was a modest affair, with only about 30 participants who were allowed to cross halfway due to a lack of permits. However, the event has grown significantly over the years, with several hundred participants expected this year. In 2002, the procession attracted around 3,000 New Yorkers, who followed the Way of the Cross to the site of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
As the procession continues to grow, it remains rooted in its original purpose of reflection and unity. Bishop Brennan, who has participated in the procession every year since his installation in 2021, has led prayers at the Stations of the Cross on the bridge. "This year we’re emphasizing hope because it’s the Jubilee Year," Fields said, referring to Pope Francis’ requested theme, "Pilgrims of Hope." He added, "We’re also emphasizing unity this year because we’re doing it with the Orthodox Christians."
This year’s Way of the Cross is not just a religious observance but a powerful statement of solidarity among Christians, reflecting a shared commitment to faith and community. As participants prepare to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, they carry with them the hopes and prayers of their congregations, united in their mission to honor the passion of Christ.
In a world often marked by division, events like the Way of the Cross serve as reminders of the strength found in unity and the importance of coming together in faith. The procession, which has become a cherished tradition in Brooklyn, continues to inspire and draw individuals from diverse backgrounds, all seeking to deepen their spiritual connections.
As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable and meaningful gathering, celebrating not only the significance of Good Friday but also the bonds that unite believers across denominations.
The Way of the Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and unity in a time when they are needed most.
