On April 18, 2025, hundreds of Christians across the United States gathered to commemorate Good Friday, a solemn day that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. From Pilsen, Chicago to Hagerstown, Maryland, communities came together in various forms of reflection and remembrance, each with its own unique traditions and sentiments.
In Pilsen, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, the annual Via Crucis, or "Way of the Cross," drew a significant crowd. This year marked the 48th anniversary of the event, which allows participants to retrace the final hours of Jesus through a series of dramatic reenactments. "This is when we need God the most, you know? Hopefully we bring them closer," said Carlos Ortega, a participant who joined the procession despite the looming fears of deportation that have affected many in the community. Organizer Nellie Quintana acknowledged the difficult climate, stating, "We completely understand why you're not present here today. We are doing this for you. We are praying for you, and we stand with you." The event took place against a backdrop of anxiety, as deportation threats from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have left many in the immigrant community feeling vulnerable.
According to data from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, over 47,000 individuals have been detained since President Donald Trump took office, contributing to an atmosphere of fear that permeated this year’s observance. "The streets are emptier. The businesses are suffering. The customers are not purchasing as they were before," Quintana noted. Despite this, many participants felt compelled to attend, viewing their presence as a powerful testament to faith over fear. "They have no fear because God lives in their heart. And they know they are doing this to portray that message," she added.
As the procession moved through the streets, prayers were offered not only for the participants but also for those unable to attend due to their immigration status. Eritany Ortega, who has participated in the Via Crucis since childhood, brought her young children along, sharing her thoughts on the significance of the event: "Everything that he had to endure back in the day, you know, even saying his own people didn't accept him, and he had to go look for a refuge somewhere else, in other cities. So, it's just like, you know, like here." The event concluded at St. Pius V Church, where the community gathered to reflect on their shared faith.
Meanwhile, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, hundreds gathered around the Haven Cross on Highway 84 at 11 a.m. for a Good Friday service. This event served as another reminder of the significance of the day, as Christians around the world observed the crucifixion of Jesus, which they believe paved the way for his resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
In Flat Rock, North Carolina, the St. John in the Wilderness church held its annual Stations of the Cross event, where church members took turns carrying a large wooden cross across the church property. Father Josh Stephens, the rector, described the experience as a way for the congregation to physically engage with the story of Jesus. "It’s really powerful. We actually step into the story, and it’s a way that we pray with our entire selves, our bodies...you know our hearts," he said. This practice, which dates back to the early Christian church, involves retracing the 14 events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and burial, offering a deeply personal reflection on his sacrifice.
Father Josh emphasized the importance of remembering that God is in solidarity with those who suffer, stating, "We find that God is in complete solidarity with us. And somehow by being honest with God about our own experiences, and seeing God’s experience as one of us gives us a lot of grace and it gives us a lot of hope." The church welcomed all to join their Easter services on Sunday, April 20, further inviting the community to celebrate the resurrection.
In Palatine, Illinois, the annual Passion of the Christ march saw hundreds walking solemnly with actors portraying Jesus and his mother, Mary. Jesus, played by Jose Vital, carried a heavy cross through the streets, reenacting the final moments of Christ's life. "I hope for the people that are here, they can have contact with our Lord so they can grow in their faith and understand what He did for them," Vital expressed. The procession included 14 stops, each accompanied by prayers and reflections on the suffering Jesus endured.
Further south, in Hagerstown, Maryland, a Good Friday Unity Walk brought together over 75 participants in a demonstration of faith and community solidarity. The event was organized by the Hagerstown Area Religious Council and included various activities such as singing and scripture readings. Participants carried a wooden cross, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as they walked through the park. Rosalind Johnston, one of the attendees, reflected on the significance of the day: "It's a reminder of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection for Easter celebration."
As Christians across the nation engaged in these acts of remembrance, they highlighted the importance of community and faith in the face of adversity. The diversity of observances on Good Friday—from solemn processions to vibrant community gatherings—demonstrated the rich tapestry of belief and tradition that characterizes the Christian faith.
Good Friday serves not only as a day of mourning but also as a prelude to the joy of Easter Sunday, reminding Christians of the hope that emerges from sacrifice. As Rev. Dr. Brent Strawn noted, the term "Good" in Good Friday may not trivialize the sorrow of the day but rather emphasizes the profound goodness that arises from Christ's sacrifice. "For those people who have Christian faith, it is a good thing that Christ died for us," he stated, encapsulating the essence of this holy observance.
