CINCINNATI — It’s an exciting day for many Christians as they observe Good Friday, a day commemorating the death of Jesus Christ. While some are observing it by prayer and church service, others are taking part in a 150-year-old tradition.
The Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish in Cincinnati is where you’ll find Father Rob Jack every Good Friday. Each year, he facilitates the confessions during the annual “Praying the Steps” event.
“They bring their grandchildren and their grandchildren come, and they bring their new generation,” said Father Jack. “Generations have been walking these steps to tell us that we climb the mountain to God.”
“Praying the Steps” began in the late 1850s on Good Friday. Every year, thousands of people walk the 94 steps leading up to the church. They recite a prayer with each step.
“When we’re walking the steps, we recognize our bodies and souls have a role in giving things to God,” he said. “And we, on Good Friday, in a special way, we recognize that Jesus climbed Mount Calvary and died on the cross for our sins.”
It’s a 24-hour long event, with people coming around the clock, just to observe the Christian holiday. Afterward, some take part in confession.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, if it’s warm, if it’s cold. It doesn’t matter—people will climb the steps,” he said.
As for Father Jack, he plans to continue this tradition for many years to come, and hopes to see even more people get involved.
“There’s no better sacrifice for a Cincinnatian than to climb the steps to Immaculata,” he said.
