More than 500 people responded to the call of Communion and Liberation (CL) to participate in the Good Friday Way of the Cross through the streets of downtown Montreal, guided by our Archbishop, Most Rev. Christian Lépine.

The procession departed from Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel in Old Montreal at 9:30am. It was preceded by a particularly intense moment of prayer, thanks to CL's choir (virtually divine!).

From the moment it left Saint-Paul Street, the procession progressed silently in the spring sunshine all the way to Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, with stops at Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint-Patrick Basilica, and Place Ville-Marie. At each of these stations, everyone had the privilege to listen with emotion to the Gospel of Luke, as well as to the gripping play, The Mystery of the Charity of Joan of Arc, written by Charles Péguy, each time accompanied by the remarkable singing of CL's choir.  

During this time, Héma-Québec's traditional Good Friday Blood Drive took place in the cathedral's parish hall. Our Archbishop, who is the event's honorary president, visited with the donors upon his arrival, and took the opportunity to have a bite to eat with Héma-Québec's volunteer workers and employees. Some employees of the Archdiocese were there to joyfully welcome donors, who were then assisted with care by Héma-Québec's volunteer workers. This year, donors were noticeably younger than usual - perhaps a sign of the times.

Archbishop Lépine also gave some television interviews on the importance of giving blood, and answered inquiring journalists on the health of Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, who had been admitted to palliative care more than two weeks earlier: "I went to visit him yesterday," said Most Rev. Lépine, "and I can assure you that he is serene. He is surrounded by family, an they are experiencing these difficult moments at their pace, in peace."

The Celebration of the Lord's Passion began at 3pm, presided by Bishop Jude Saint-Antoine. The cathedral was filled with people on this occasion. It was an opportune moment to pray for all the persecuted Christians throughout the world, as well as for those who don't have faith and don't know Jesus. The celebration ended with the Veneration of the Cross and then proceeded with another Way of the Cross, which was carried out inside the basilica. In all respects, it was a sanctifying Good Friday.

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