The Way of the Cross - JPIC

The Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation  organised a Way of the Cross in the city of Rome on Sunday the 10^th April 2011.  It commenced at the SVD Generalate and ended at the TiberIsland, which was approximately 5km.  The participants were about 50 in number both women and men, including some from our Generalate.

The day began with a meaningful Eucharistic celebration.  After the homily, the celebrant invited us to share in small groups how the word of God challenged and touched each one on –

ª    What in this liturgy of the word seems to strike home with you? Why?

ª    Share an experience that has strengthened your belief in Christ?

At the end of the Eucharist, we commenced the “Way of the Cross”.

It was a journey in solidarity with the suffering people of our world, walking through the streets of Rome stopping at significant places: a railway station built by the Dictator Mussolini reminded us to pray for all those suffering under present-day dictatorships; at the military cemetery we prayed for an end to all wars; at the port, we brought to mind the suffering wrought by colonialism…When we reached the home of the St. Egidio community we remembered the millions of generous people the world over who give themselves in service of others…climate change, the sick, people with addictions, the sufferings of the Jewish people were held before our God.

The whole experience led us to ponder how people experienced liberation through suffering.     It is in Jesus that we gain hope and strength to work for Justice and Peace.  It is the Spirit of Jesus  that continues to live in our world it is this same Spirit of Jesus, through the power of his Resurrection, that keeps alive the ability to continue to work for the liberation of our people who suffer today.  We do not lose hope in the present situation of our world but rather move forward with love and joy to promote justice and be in solidarity with the helpless.