Participants carried crosses of various sizes as they walked down Main Street in celebration of their religious liberties, as acts of penance, and as an expression of their faith. Featured in this year’s celebration was a relic of St. Jude that was carried and held in veneration at the front of the procession.
The participants processed a mile to the Grace of God Rescue Mission, took a water break and then processed back to the church for Eucharistic Adoration and lunch afterwards.
The events is also used as an opportunity to raise money for various charities, which have included such causes as the Regnum Dei retreat center, Hands of Hope, mission churches, and this year, services for the mentally handicapped in Rutherford County.
— Photos by Giuliana Polinari Riley