Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

ORLANDO | More than 300 people gathered at Lake Eola on Friday evening, March 15, for a unique pilgrimage experience, as reported by Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff. The group of pilgrims, outnumbering the usual crowd of joggers and dog walkers, embarked on a journey of faith, singing, praying, and reflecting on the Stations of the Cross.

Eddiel Rivera, the catechetical director of St. James Cathedral, emphasized the significance of the Stations of the Cross, stating, “The stations are a way of going deeper and walking with Christ as we meditate on the Passion.” Rivera highlighted the importance of maintaining awareness of the sacrifices made by Jesus for the salvation of all.

Father Miguel González, the rector of St. James Cathedral, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He emphasized the powerful message of love and redemption that the Stations of the Cross convey, reminding participants of the enduring presence of Jesus in their lives.

Following the solemn procession, pilgrims were invited into the cathedral to participate in Eucharistic Adoration, symbolizing the victory of the Resurrection and the continuous presence of Christ among his followers. The experience was described as a meaningful and moving moment for many, including Claudia Valcich, who found the bilingual stations and Adoration to be a unifying and spiritually enriching experience.

Albania Torres, who traveled from Clermont to join the pilgrimage, shared her emotional response to the event, stating, “It was very beautiful to feel the Passion,” capturing the profound impact of the spiritual journey on the participants.

As the evening concluded with shared moments of fellowship over soup, Carmen Fuller reflected on the importance of public demonstrations of faith in a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty. Lorna Rolón emphasized the central role of love in bringing communities together in faith, while Simon Martinez humorously remarked on the spiritually invigorating nature of the pilgrimage, stating, “It is an exercise with God.”

The pilgrimage at Lake Eola served as a poignant reminder of the enduring message of love, sacrifice, and redemption that lies at the heart of the Christian faith, inspiring participants to deepen their spiritual connections and embrace the journey towards Easter with renewed faith and devotion.