By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Singing and praying as they followed the cross through the streets of Saskatoon, hundreds again took part in an annual outdoor justice and peace Way of the Cross on Good Friday morning, reflecting on the passion and death of Jesus in light of issues, suffering and injustice in the world today.

A Good Friday tradition for 25+ years

Following the scriptural stations of the cross introduced by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1991, representatives of different groups and cultures stopped at 14 spots along the downtown route, reading scripture, offering a reflection and a prayer.

The outdoor justice and peace Stations of the Cross have been held on Good Friday in Saskatoon for more than 25 years, organized by the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace with help from many partners and volunteers.

Reflections during the 2025 event addressed inclusion of those living with diverse abilities, spiritual care for the dying, hostility faced by newcomers, support for those facing mental health challenges, empathy for those dealing with trauma, poverty and many challenges, as well as human trafficking, poverty, care for creation, family separation, and the persecution of Christians around the world.

“The Way of The Cross was such a meaningful and momentous event for me again this year,” said Tyrone McKenzie, Lead Chaplain for the Salvation Army who carried the cross to the third station to reflect and pray on the dehumanizing indifference facing those in poverty. “I appreciate so much all the work that goes into it, each and every presenter and how varied and profound each presentation was. I was extremely moved by so many of them.”

Gallery of all photos – LINK

Reflections and prayers at each station:

Station 1: Jesus on the Mount of Olives, (Luke 22:39-46).

Theme:. Being present to people living with diverse abilities in our community – Russ, Yvonne, and Christopher Powell, L’Arche, Saskatoon.

“People who are about to become parents pray that they will not be put to the trial when their children are born. We pray that they will be healthy and whole and that they will grow up to be happy and independent. That prayer is not always answered. Some children are borne with physical or intellectual disabilities and their family and their community enter that time of trial. They ask, “Can this person ever be happy? What is his or her worth?” They must let go of plans and dreams and begin a journey on a different road. They must be present to the child in an unfamiliar way, a way of unconditional acceptance.

“This is the mission of L’Arche.  In L’Arche Saskatoon and in L’Arche communities around the world, people with and without disabilities live together, share life, and celebrate the gifts of all people, especially the gifts of our members who have a disability.  Together, we believe, and we can see, that all people can experience happiness, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.”

Let us pray:  Lord, we thank you for the gift of L’Arche. You call us to act, to stay awake and pray. May we always be faithful to your call and be true disciples—seeing your face in the faces of those with physical and intellectual disabilities., and to know that your love overcomes all trials.  Amen.

Station 2: Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested, (Luke 22:47-48).

Theme: Human trafficking as a betrayal of humanity – Anne Ashcroft, Val Stone, and members of the Catholic Women’s League

“How many victims of human trafficking are betrayed into the living death of enslavement by those who are supposed to love them? By fathers and mothers, by brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends and lovers? Culpable silence in the face of injustice is also a betrayal, for the voice of conscience is the very voice of God acting within the confines of the human heart. In this station, let us remember and pray for the victims of human trafficking.”

Let us pray: O Lord Jesus Christ, You were betrayed and condemned by those who muffled the voice of their conscience and relinquished their responsibility to you and to humanity. Come to the aid of the victims of human trafficking who are betrayed by those in responsibility and by those who were supposed to love and protect them. Let them cry out like the psalmist “Even if my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me in” (Psalm 27:10).  Lord Jesus, be with the people who live with the consequences of betrayal and are condemned without reason and who have lost all hope.  You carried the weight of the lack of love, the betrayal and lies and the resulting despair of so many victims who seek to improve their lives, but who are treated as ‘objects’, sold, degraded, humiliated, treated without dignity, and suffer unimaginable suffering! Help us to live with your unconditional love for these victims and give us the courage to commit ourselves to the eradication of human trafficking.  Amen.

Station 3: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin, (Luke 22:66-71).

Theme: Dehumanizing people living in poverty through our indifference – Tyrone McKenzie, Salvation Army Lead Chaplain.

“Do you walk quickly or cross the street or avoid eye contact when you see a pan handler on these streets? I know I have. Too busy, too uncomfortable, too fearful, there are lots of reasons, but our indifference and fear do not go unnoticed. Those on the street who suffer from mental health, addictions, grief, loss, trauma, incarceration and poverty notice the dehumanizing impact of our indifference….”

“… I think of:  Elmer, Daryl, Brian, Dougie and others, men I’ve gotten to know, who panhandle on these very streets. Yes, they wanted spare change, a coffee or a meal, but even when I couldn’t provide that, they were grateful for a smile and a kind word….

“Jesus had the best practice of making eye contact and touching the marginalized. “The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is the contagiously clean man. When he touched a leper, Jesus did not contract leprosy. Rather, the leper became clean. Those trying in vain to remove their sin must allow themselves to be touched by the contagiously clean man. And, like the leper in the story, may we who have experienced that touch possess an uncontainable gratitude, talking freely about our encounter with the contagiously clean man….

“… What if we approached the unclean and afflicted with humility that recognizes our own brokenness and the grace of our Creator; respect that acknowledges we are all made in the Image of God with inherent dignity and worth; truth that realizes the complexity of our shared human experience; knowledge that understands the many dynamics that cause someone to be in poverty; wisdom to effectively and compassionately care for the marginalized; courage to step out in faith, and love that demonstrates Jesus’ heart and the character of the Father. What if… we touched people living in poverty with Jesus, the contagiously clean man? What if… we touched people with the power of the One who bore the cross for all humankind?”

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son who makes clean everything he touches. Thank you that He has touched us, and we can in turn touch others with a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a coffee or a meal. As the apostle Paul has written: Help us to “be imitators of God, as beloved children. And Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  By his grace may our hearts and our actions be touched by him this day and every day. In Christ’s name.  Amen.

Station 4: Peter denies Jesus, (Luke 22:54-62).

Theme: Denying Christ’s presence in the process of dying – Peter Oliver, Executive Director of Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan and Madeline Oliver, Hospice at Glengarda, Spiritual Care.

“In the courtyard with fear surrounding Jesus’ arrest, Peter succumbs to the pressure of the moment. His denial, born of a desire for self-preservation, stands as a reminder of our own human weaknesses and the times we falter in our faith.

“The recent Catholic Bishop’s pastoral letter on assisted suicide, titled,  Dying with Hope: Living and Walking Together, says,  “Too often, [the Church’s] stance against the intentional taking of an innocent human life is heard as a ‘no.’ But in saying ‘no’ to assisted suicide, the Church is saying ‘yes’ to accompaniment; ‘yes’ to community; ‘yes’ to solidarity with the suffering; and ‘yes’ to caring for those who need it most.”

“Like Peter’s ‘no’ to following Jesus, assisted suicide is a ‘no’ to accompaniment, a ‘no’ to community, a ‘no’ to solidarity and a ‘no’ to caring for those who are vulnerable.”

Let us pray, Lord Jesus, strengthen us in our resolve to always affirm the dignity of every human life, especially in moments of suffering. Grant us the courage to say “yes” to accompaniment and “no” to actions that deny the inherent dignity of each person and help us to discover joy in our solidarity with those who are suffering and dying. Amen.

 

 

Station 5: Jesus is judged by Pilate, (Luke 23:13-25).

Theme: Imposing guilt on immigrants and refugees – Hannah Enti-Brown, Coordinator of the Office of Migration in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

“Like Jesus, many immigrants and refugees today stand falsely accused. They are judged not by the truth of their stories, but by suspicion, fear, and prejudice. Borders become courtrooms, and strangers act as judges, pronouncing guilt on those who seek only safety and dignity. Instead of compassion, they are met with rejection. Like Barabbas, systems often release those who destroy, while condemning those who are innocent.

“As we stand here, we recognize that Jesus stands with the displaced, the detained, and the voiceless. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Migration Office walks with them too—listening to their stories, advocating for their rights, and restoring their dignity. In this station, we remember that to stand with the migrant is to stand with Christ.”

Station 6: Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns, (Luke 22:63-65, John 19:2-3)

Theme: Remembering those who suffer for Christ – Rubina Bhatti, board member for Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians.

“Today, Jesus continues to suffer when Christians are persecuted. They are ridiculed, physically harmed, socially rejected, imprisoned, silenced, and even martyred—not for crimes committed, but simply for their unwavering commitment to bearing the name of Jesus. The hatred and acts of violence are horrific and beyond our belief; Christians are being systemically slaughtered in Syria, persecuted and murdered for their faith in Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan. Churches and Christian properties are being attacked, and Christians are raped, falsely accused, imprisoned or lynched by mobs in Pakistan. Yet, like Jesus, they carry their cross with courage and hope, standing as witnesses to the transformative power of faith.”

Let us pray: Heavenly Father as we walk this journey of faith, help us to remember that we are all part of the body of Christ, When one member suffers, all suffer together. May we never forget persecuted Christians’ sacrifice and be inspired by their steadfastness and never take for granted the peace and freedom to worship. May we always be mindful of their struggles and be emboldened to share the light of Your truth, even in the face of opposition. Grant us the grace to stand in solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters, lifting them in prayer and supporting them in every way we can. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Station 7: Jesus takes up the cross, (Mark 15:20).

Theme: Increasing food security to restore dignity – Wilson Nablimpa, volunteer ambassador for Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

“As Jesus takes up the cross, we witness both violence and humiliation. Stripped of dignity, he walks a path shaped by injustice. Hunger does the same to people today. More than 700 million people face hunger. It’s not just the lack of food—it’s the erosion of dignity, of choice, of control over one’s life. For adults, it means the pain of being unable to provide. For children, it means being denied the freedom to grow, learn, and simply be.

”Having enough to eat—something many of us take for granted—restores more than physical strength. It restores a person’s sense of worth. It tells them they matter. That’s what the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is doing—empowering communities with food, farming skills, and advocacy rooted in justice. It’s more than charity. It’s solidarity. As Jesus bore the cross, he stood with the suffering. He still does. And so must we.”

Let us pray: Loving God, you walked a path of suffering so that others might live. We remember those who carry the weight of hunger today. Restore their strength. Renew their dignity.Bless the work of all who grow, share, and protect food. Inspire us to act—to share what we have, speak for those unheard, and walk alongside our neighbours with justice and compassion. May we carry this cross not with pity, but with purpose. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen

Station 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross, (Luke 23:26).

Theme:. Carrying the cross alongside people living with mental health challenges – Nadia Stadnyk, Ukrainian Catholic Church the Dormition of the Mother of God.

“When we are called upon to help someone in need are we too sometimes afraid of the pain that others carry or the misfortunes that life has thrown at them.

“At Dormition Parish under the spiritual guidance of Fr Andre Lalach we brought in the Whole Hearted program developed by Catholic Charities. This is a parish-based resource focused on the impact life’s painful experiences have on mental health… The four sessions introduce participants to the dynamics of recognition, renewal and restoration.  It informs participants of the impact painful experiences have on mental health and how one might begin to move forward, both mentally and spiritually.”

Let us pray: God Our Father, help us to carry each other crosses, teach us to manage our roles in each of our homes and community.  Teach us your ways Lord, equip us to strengthen the bond within our lives so that in return we can be able to reach out to others by being a good living personal witness in the best way that we can. Lord Jesus, we ask for strength, courage, wisdom and words of knowledge as we reach out and support those around us who suffer from mental illness.  Amen.

Station 9: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem, (Luke 23:27-31).

Theme: Expanding empathy and compassion beyond our immediate circumstances – “Bringing Back the Circle: The Voices of Pleasant Hill” — Dorothy Schick, Joanne and Wayne Kryzyk, St. Paul’s Hospital.

“At St. Paul’s Hospital, we are tasked with responding to physical, emotional and spiritual pain of our patients. Jesus’ words challenge us to broaden our compassion and empathy, to consider the suffering that exists beyond the walls of our institutions. In neighborhoods grappling with poverty and addiction, there are silent cries for help that may go unnoticed. These individuals often endure systemic neglect, stigma, and isolation, much like the suffering Jesus witnessed on his way to the cross.

“Our role as caregivers should not end at the hospital door or indeed, the doors of our own homes. We are called to be active agents of change, extending compassion to those in our communities who face systemic injustice. By doing so, we embody the love and empathy that Jesus demonstrated, making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.”

Let us pray: Gracious God, we ask for the gift of empathy, the ability to truly see and feel the world through the eyes of others. Help us to cultivate compassion, understanding, and patience in our interactions, even when faced with difficult situations or differing perspectives. May we be known for our kindness and our ability to connect with those around us, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding in our communities. Amen.

Station 10: Jesus is crucified, (Luke 23:33,47).

Theme: From death to new life – caring for creation – Michael and Julie LeBlanc, Development and Peace Caritas Canada.

“All around the world, land and environmental defenders put their lives on the line out of love for their communities and the care of creation. Like Jesus, they are willing to die for their commitment of love for their people. And like Jesus, they often are killed for this love.

”Juan Lopez, in defense of clean drinking water for his community in Guapinol, Honduras, was shot and killed outside of his Catholic parish on Sept. 14, 2024. Imprisoned unjustly for almost three years for peacefully opposing a mine’s construction in his community, he faced almost constant threats after being released. Inspired, motivated, and galvanised by his deep faith, he was able to peacefully halt the progress of the mine threatening his community through calm, steadfast leadership. In his death, on the steps of Parroquia San Isidro Labrodor, he showed once again the witness of Jesus Christ’s example to love unto death, together with our brothers and sisters who have died in Jesus’ name throughout the centuries.”

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, though peaceful you showed your courage to walk in the path of justice and love even unto death. Inspire that same courage in us who follow in your most holy will to continue to resist injustice and the destruction of our sacred earthly home. Be with all those resisting oppression and who have lost parents, siblings, children, friends, and family members to the scourge of violence in our global communities. In the spirit of Juan Lopez, remind us that you are truly with us in all things, including our suffering. Come to our aid, defend us. Help us walk the path of justice and peace with all the holy martyrs. Together let us unite in Christ: Juan Lopez and all holy men and women martyrs, pray for us. Amen.

 

Station 11: Jesus promises his Kingdom to the good thief, (Luke 23:33-34,39-43).

Theme: The faith of the First Peoples, presented by parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish, Saskatoon.

“This moment echoes the deep spiritual wisdom of the Indigenous Peoples, who have long recognized the sacred in suffering, the presence of the Creator in all of life’s moments—even the hardest ones. Our stories, traditions, and prayers remind us that healing and hope are possible when we see with the eyes of faith. As Indigenous Peoples, we know what it means to walk through suffering — in our histories, in our families, and in our communities. Still, we hold on to hope — not just any hope, but the deep hope found in the Gospel. Christ walks with us, and his promise is for all people, in every time and every place the same: One day we shall be with Him in Paradise.”

Let us pray:  Creator God, You have walked with Indigenous Peoples through generations of suffering, silence, and strength. As Jesus welcomed the good thief into his Kingdom, may we too welcome each other in our lives. Heal the pain carried in our hearts, in families, and in the land itself. Let reconciliation not be a word, but a way of life. May your promise of paradise be a promise of justice, healing, and unity for our church and all your children. Help us all to live as One. Amen.

 

Station 12: Jesus on the cross, his mother and his disciple, (John 19:25b-27).

Theme: The cross as a pathway for bringing families together – presented in English and Aramaic by local Iraqi Catholic Christians.

“Iraq plays a rich and vital contribution to Christian history, and after Israel, Iraq has the most biblical history of any other country in the world. Today, there is less than 1% of Christians left in Iraq, which is mostly made up of Chaldeans, Assyrians and Syriacs. The vast majority of Iraqi Christians are indigenous Eastern-Aramaic speaking, able to speak the language of Jesus. Over the past century, and most recently in the last 15 years, many Christian families’ lives have been uprooted and have fled their homeland due to religious persecution. Many have been either displaced internally or have sought refuge in other countries.

“These families have been separated while fleeing either due to immigration circumstances or fleeing abruptly to safety attempting to obtain refugee status from another nation. Many of these people have not seen their families for many years for various reasons, which include: the lack of finances, the distance of settling far away from one another, or else awaiting proper paperwork and documentation in order to travel. Leaving everything behind, whether it be possessions, property, finances or family, has caused great suffering for our Iraqi-Christian brothers and sisters. Despite all these afflictions, one thing that remains is their unwavering love and devotion to our Lord Jesus.”

We pray: Lord, we pray for our dear Christian families all over the world who are displaced and suffering out of love for you. Give us strength to look upon Your Cross of Love, never taking for granted the pain, suffering and death you endured first ultimately for us. Amen.

Station 13: Jesus dies on the cross, (Luke 23:44-46).

Silent reflection following Scripture reading, read by Knights of Columbus D’Arcy McGee Assembly #1065, organized by Adrien Piche.

 

Station 14: Jesus is placed in the tomb, (Luke 23:50-54).

Theme:  A summary reflection by Bishop Michael Smolinski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

“Jesus is laid in the tomb, and with him all hope that the Messiah might vanquish the Romans, restore Israel, and rule in earthly splendour. For that is not what Jesus came to do, that is not who Jesus claimed to be. Jesus dies as so many before and since, at the hand of others who oppress, exploit, and consume. His suffering is our suffering, for he takes upon himself the suffering of all, and he shares the fate of all humanity, to die and be placed in a cold dark tomb. Christian tradition holds that Jesus’ death was a true death, and that he descends into hell with all the souls of the dead. But in fulfillment of the prophets, he is raised again from the dead, and he breaks the chains of bondage, releasing those enslaved by sin, rescuing those who suffer injustice, restoring all creation, and reconciling all people.

Concluding Prayer– Let us pray for all who suffer: for the hungry and the homeless, the deprived and the oppressed, for the sick, the wounded, and the handicapped, for those in loneliness and in fear, for those in confusion, doubt, and despair, for the sorrowful and bereaved, for prisoners, and all at the point of death, that God’s love will comfort and sustain them, and that we may be stirred up to minister to them. Faithful and compassionate God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer, hear the cry of all who call on you in any trouble, grant them the joy of receiving your help in their need, and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

 

 

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – rcdos.ca

Justice and Peace, Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.