About 175 worshipers took the streets of Northeast Portland Friday to recall that the Passion of Jesus is an ongoing reality. The group, which began at St. Charles Church, meditated on social ills like expensive healthcare, violence, low wages, racism, global warming and the power of the marketing culture.
“Jesus carried his cross through the streets of Jerusalem on this day long ago,” the ecumenical congregation prayed. “Today we carry our cross through the suffering streets of our community.”
Standing in occasional rain showers and amid the roar of traffic, the group heard stories from a patient devastated when she hit her Medicare limit and a tenant drained by high rent. Another story detailed unequal city spending on streets and schools, leaving the neighborhood in disrepair. A Mexican immigrant’s story showed the struggle of those brought to the U.S. as children who are now unable as adults to drive or work legally.
One station focused on the national responsibility to embrace Iraqis who have put themselves at risk to aid U.S. efforts in the country. On hand was an interpreter who escaped death threats from insurgents, bringing his family to Oregon.
“The cross has been domesticated by our seeing it as a symbol or a piece of art,” Father John McGrann told the congregation about the tool used to execute Jesus. “Good Friday is a day to embrace life around us, no matter how painful that may be.”
On the walk, which took more than an hour, worshipers were asked to find someone they did not know and discuss racism, which has become a hot political topic because of the Democratic presidential nomination race. Earlier on the same day, Sen. Barack Obama had spoken in Portland, a first major talk after an address on racism earlier in the week.
Kathleen Hagerty, a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Northeast Portland, came because she wanted to have a prayerful Good Friday. She found even more, she explained. Currently unemployed, and related to people being hit by healthcare costs and other pressures, she found the spiritual-social petitions hitting home.
“When these connections are brought to my attention, I see it immediately,” she says, calling the procession “beautiful.”
Holy Names Sister Lucinda Peightal carried the cross for a few blocks and helped organize the walk.
“It helps people realize that Christ is suffering with suffering people today,” she said.
