70,000 pilgrims followed Way of the Cross procession in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

The Way of the Cross, which is a form commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ, did not take place in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska in the last two years due to the COVID pandemic. This year, however, the faithful gathered to march along the local paths in crowds. According to Bernardine Fathers who supervised the procession, approx. 70,000 from all over Poland took part.

Friday's part of the Passion Play in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska began at dawn in front of the House of Caiaphas. Tens of thousands of faithful watched the re-enactment of the Saviour, prepared by the Bernandines and lay brothers. They followed the ways of Christ's Passion towards Pilate's Palace, where the "Decree sentecing Jesus to death" was read out, and the Archbishop of Kraków Marek Jędraszewski gave a pastoral address.

The pilgrims then moved on to the Calvary, where the Good Friday liturgy was celebrated. The flesh of Christ in in the Eucharist was moved into the Tomb's chapel at the top of the mountain. Eucharistic adoration will last until Sunday.

Construction of the Sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska was financed by the Zebrzydowski family in early 17th century. Basing his ideas on the reading of Adrichomius, Mikołaj Zebrzydowski then decided to build stations dedicated to the Passion of Christ. The local Passion Play begin on Palm Sunday, whereas the main part of celebration starts on Holy Wednesday.