Organizers of Edmonton’s Annual Way of the Cross were forced to change plans after a snowfall made the route hazardous.
“The heavy snow this morning meant that the road was very slippery,” Jim Gurnett explained
“It was just too dangerous to have them walk so for safety reasons we modified it and we just walked in this little one block.”
Gurnett said the theme for this year’s event, which marks its 34th Good Friday, was Be Not Afraid.
“There is a lot of things that challenge people who are struggling in their lives and that creates fear. We are trying to remind that the real message of the Gospel says that we can do something about these things that create fear.”
He added that many of the stops along the way fit in with the theme.
“We try to stop at places that remind us that there are practical things that we can all do and ways that we can be involved in making a positive difference in Edmonton.”
According to Gurnett, organizers hope the event reminds others that community members must work together and look after each other. He also said it was important to get the message of the gospel out.
“If it is hidden inside the walls of churches that it can be lost. That is why we come out on the streets every year.
“This is not just idle talk but it is words that should mean something in how we live every day.”
Gurnett said about 300 people turned out to the Hope Mission for the event Friday morning.
