Hundreds of believers walk Main Street for Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

The annual event drew attendees from across the local church community to downtown Sarasota.

By Ian Swaby
| 1:15 p.m. April 7, 2023

The walk begins with Rev. David Svihel, priest associate for Christian formation and outreach at Church of the Redeemer, carrying the cross, with County Commissioner Joe Neunder (left) also participating.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Although it was difficult to keep count among the crowd flowing down Main Street on the morning of Good Friday, Craig Burness, leader of the Men’s Ministry at Church of the Redeemer, said the hope of 1,000 attendees might have been met.

Despite the event’s growth over time, he said the basic setup of the Stations of the Cross walk hasn’t changed since the ministry founded the event 22 years ago. It has since become a partnership between the church and the Sarasota Ministerial Association.

“We’re just carrying on that tradition and keeping it simple and effective,” Burness said.

Sarasota's Stations of the Cross tradition — and observances around the world — drew inspiration from the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa is the path Jesus Christ is believed to have walked to reach Mount Calvary, the site of his crucifixion.

The Stations of the Cross walk comprises 14 stops, each representing part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.

The three-quarter-mile journey, which extended from the Regal Hollywood theater to the doors of the Church of the Redeemer, drew the participation of clergy and members of numerous area churches, as well as County Commissioner Joe Neunder and City of Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie.

Meanwhile, attendees both new and returning could be found.

Erma Sanders said she was glad to discover the event after living for three years in Sarasota, having participated in a Stations of the Cross event in her former home of Cincinnati.

“I thought, 'I need Jesus back in my life,' and this seemed like a good place to start,” she said.

Christine Bonilla said she discovered the event for the first time after her small women’s Bible study group decided to take a “field trip.”

“This is a great way to start Easter Weekend,” she said. “It’s definitely a blessing to be out here.”

“It’s the first time we’ve done it,” said Bob Sikkel. “It’s a special thing to do on a special day.”

Loyal attendees were also found among the participants.

“It’s been countless times for me,” said Mason Ayres.

The crowd gathers in front of Regal Hollywood before the walk.

Walkers step off a trolley in front of Regal Hollywood.

Sharon and John Marshall follow the crowds on Main Street.

Rhett Morton of the Church of the Redeemer Youth Group speaks at the 9th station.

Pastor Linette McClelland of Center of Hope Church reads her event program while listening to a speaker.

The crowd, led by David Svihel, priest associate for Christian formation and outreach at Church of the Redeemer, crosses South Links Avenue.

Fritz Maxwell of Church of the Redeemer speaks at the 2nd station.

17-year-old Sofia Giannella and her mother Rose Giannella exchange a few words during the event.

6-year-old Colin Fletcher watches a speaker from the shoulders of his father Ben Fletcher.

Deacon Humberto Alvia of St. Jude Catholic Church reads a passage in Spanish.

Wesley Tunstall, pastor of Koinonia Missionary Baptist Church and True Worship Church, and founder and CEO of Newtown Community Ministries United, speaks at the 5th station.

7-year-old Levi Siljestrom takes a rest on the shoulder of his mother Casey Siljestrom.

City of Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie participates in the walk.

Nadija Packauskas kneels during a prayer.

Walkers gather at the front of Church of the Redeemer as the walk ends.

Church of the Redeemer members Mason Ayres and Laura Burness helped organize the event.

After the walk, Reed Bauer receives a flower from 2-year-old Anna Bauer, as Beth Cave watches.

Jacki Boedecker, Sherry Erb, Anneliese Floyd, and Susan Kruger

Walkers head inside Church of the Redeemer as the walk ends.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.