Thousands of Italian-Americans processed through the streets of Bensonhurst praying The Way of the Cross last week to commemorate Good Friday, the most solemn day of the Christian calendar. This tradition, which brings together several Roman Catholic parishes in Bensonhurst, is in its 35th year.

The Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, bishop of Brooklyn, led the faithful as they carried crosses and statues, symbolically walking the path of Jesus toward crucifixion. Along the journey, participants prayed in Italian while moving through the 14 Stations. Meditations at each station reflect on what happened to Jesus from the moment he was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate to his burial.