March 16, 2016 // Uncategorized

Via Dolorosa takes place around the diocese

Todays Catholic

By Lourdes E. Silva

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is rich in Catholic culture and diverse in the many ways that each group honors or celebrates important liturgical feast days, especially the important days of Holy Week. One of the time-honored traditions of Holy Week is the Via Dolorosa, which is predominantly re-enacted by the Hispanic population in our diocese. The event, also known as Via Crucis, originated in practices of early Christianity and still takes place all over the world.

Via Dolorosa, which translated means, Way of the Cross, is taking place in 13 parishes throughout the diocese. Via Dolorosa is a live re-enactment of Jesus’ suffering, Passion and death on a cross. Some of the parishes begin their Via Dolorosa on Palm Sunday, so as to prepare the parishioners for Holy Week. Some will provide the Via Dolorosa both on Palm Sunday and on Good Friday, while other parishes will do the Via Dolorosa on Good Friday.

The practice of Via Dolorosa began in various ways throughout the diocese, but remains an important part of Lent. Attendees are invited to draw closer to Jesus and reach out to him through our Lenten suffering in the words of the thief on the cross, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” “Jesús, recuerdame cuando entres a tu reino.” Some Via Dolorosa events also take place on the actual streets near the parish so that the message of Christ’s love and sacrifice can be visible to the general public.

In an article from Vistas Spring 2016 a Boston College resource, Professor Timothy Matovina from the University of Notre Dame wrote, “Hispanics have deep devotion to Jesus and to his Eucharistic presence.” Professor Matovina goes on to share “Most popular Hispanic traditions center on key moments in the life of Jesus.”

This is demonstrated through the many long hours and weeks of preparation for Via Dolorosa that are employed by the organizers and actors to reverently remind the attendees of the sacrifice Jesus Christ offered for the salvation of souls. It is also seen in the overwhelmingly large numbers of persons who will attend the Good Friday and Via Dolorosa services, even if they do not attend Mass regularly.

Every member of the Catholic faithful is invited to fully immerse themselves into the Via Dolorosa experience at a nearby parish.

Via Dolorosa around the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Fechas y Horarios para el Vía Crucis en nuestra Diócesis

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Warsaw

Via Crucis: This community for a few years changed their representation of Via Dolorosa. Each station is represented by a parish family. This service will begin at 6 p.m., following the Liturgy of the Word of the Lord’s Passion at 5 p.m. Vía Crucis por familia comienza 6 p.m.

Our Lady of Hungary, South Bend

Our Lady of Hungary Parish will do the Via Dolorosa on March 20, Palm Sunday after the 1:30 p.m. Mass. The Via Crucis will commence outside the church processing throughout the neighborhood. On Good Friday a Via Crucis will be inside the church at 7 p.m. Both services will be in Spanish.

St. Adalbert, South Bend

Via Crucis outdoors at 2 p.m. on March 20, Palm Sunday following the 1 p.m. Mass. El Via Crucis viviente se llevara a cabo a las 2 p.m. comenzando afuera de la Iglesia en procesión hasta el Parque LaSalle.  Recomendamos zapatos comodos.

Participants will walk to LaSalle Park representing the Via Crucis along the way. (This is a 2 ½ to 3 hour Via Crucis — wear comfortable shoes.)

St. John, Goshen

The Lord’s Passion with Via Crucis will be on Good Friday at
6 p.m. inside the church.

Habrá una combinación de la Pasión de Cristo y el Vía Crucis, 6 p.m.

St. Joseph, LaGrange

The Via Dolorosa will take place outside (weather permitting) on Good Friday at noon. El Vía Crucis-Viernes Santo en español 12 p.m. del mediodía.

St. Michael, Plymouth

St. Michael’s Via Crucis will be on Good Friday in the school gymnasium at 2 p.m.

St. Patrick, Fort Wayne

The Via Crucis is on Good Friday at 11:30 a.m. and Liturgy of the Word and Adoration of the Cross at 2 p.m.

El Via Crucis es Viernes Santo a las 11:30 a.m. y la Liturgia de la Palabra y Adoración de la Cruz es a las 2 p.m.

St. Patrick, Ligonier

Via Crucis will be outside on Good Friday at 4 p.m. followed by the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion inside.

St. Robert Bellarmine, North Manchester

Parishioners will process from the church starting at 1 p.m. for the stations, rosary and songs. Liturgy in the church will be at 3 p.m. on Good Friday and Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. Bilingual pamphlets are provided and the participants pray in their preferred language.

St. Vincent de Paul, Elkhart

Via Crucis will be on Good Friday outside beginning on S. Main St. at 4 p.m. Service of the Lord’s Passion follows. El Vía Crucis se llevará a cabo afuera, y luego dentro de la Iglesia será la Liturgia de la Palabra en español.

St. Anthony of Padua, Angola

A live passion play will be presented at 3 p.m. on Good Friday on the parish grounds. The performance will be presented in Spanish and English.