On Good Friday afternoon, several hundred people marched up Avenue A behind a re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross. Leading the group was a man dressed as Jesus carrying a large wooden cross and escorted by a half-dozen men dressed as Roman centurions. As two of the soldiers whipped Jesus, the crowd, filling Avenue A, turned onto E. 12th St. and walked to Mary Help of Christians Church. The church filled with parishioners. Jesus then walked down the aisle and mounted a cross. Two men dressed in sackcloth — representing two thieves who were crucified along with Jesus — mounted two crosses on either side of him, and Good Friday services were held. This may be the last Good Friday at Mary Help of Christians, since the Catholic Archdiocese has announced the church will close.
