“Look up, laugh loud, talk big, keep the color in your cheek and the fire in your eye, adorn your person, maintain your health, your beauty and your animal spirits.” ~ William Hazlitt
We came back to the library after lunch to find a small congregation just outside the doors. One parishioner steadied the cross while another quietly recited some verse. They began to sing a familiar hymn then turned somberly away from the library and walked in silence. I’m sure it was the Catholic Newman Center, Holy Parish of the University of Kentucky congregation. Every year on Good Friday they do the Stations of the Cross around campus. For you non-Catholic readers, Catholic Online describes the stations best: “The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day. Specific prayers are recited, then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.” Some non-Catholic denominations also observe the Stations of the Cross, such as my Episcopalian friends. The Stations aren’t necessarily only observed on Good Friday but other times throughout the year as well. It’s a very interesting ritual and I can understand its importance in helping bring greater clarity to worship. I was pleased to see the congregation outside the library and I was quite pleased to know there are folks who can take time out of their busy work day to practice their faith.
Leave a Reply