Hundreds gather for Living Stations of the Cross in Little Village

CHICAGO — Hundreds flocked to Little Village Friday, where they witnessed a long-standing tradition known as Living Stations of the Cross.

“I think its important for us to walk in this pain right,” said Lucia Torres.

Hundreds of people followed Jesus’ footsteps during Via Crucis — A two-mile procession down 26th Street, stopping along the way to reenact the Stations of the Cross.

The procession ended at La Vallita Park, where the crowd bared witness to Christ’s crucifixion.

“It’s beautiful,” Torres said. “There is no greater testimony to the faith we have.”

Torres said she has attended Via Crucis for about 20 years, where she views the experience as a humbling one with an important lesson to learn.

“To persevere,” Torres said. “I think to persevere in our faith, no matter what comes across, no matter what we face in life, that the cross saves.”

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The neighborhood tradition dates back decades, but in 2013, several different parishes came together to host one large event.

“It’s nice to bring something positive to the community that people can feed off of,” said Deacon Martin Enciso, organizer and one of the founders of the event. “If there’s something that can help them change their lives, then we did our job by doing that.”

This year, three different parishes participated in the reenactment. Organizers told WGN News the event continues to grow every year and they are already talking about the next one.

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