Crossing city streets with Christ
Events
In a moving public expression of faith and a historic first in the heart of Adelaide, more than 1500 members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community took part in a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession on April 18.
In a moving public expression of faith and an historic first in the heart of Adelaide, more than 1500 members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community took part in a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession on April 18.
The journey began at the Torrens Parade Ground and continued down King William Street, ending with heartfelt prayers in front of a four metre crucifix erected in Victoria Square. The striking visual demonstration of devotion transformed city streets into a modern-day Via Dolorosa.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic community taking part in a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession on April 18 2025.
The event was a collaborative effort spearheaded by three local Syro-Malabar parishes: St Alphonsa Forane Church, St Mary’s parish, and St Euphrasia parish.
Under the spiritual leadership of Rev Dr Siby Kurian Pulickal and Rev Fr Abraham Kazhunadiyil, the parishes worked together to foster unity and showcase their shared heritage of faith. Representatives from the Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) said it was not just an event but a joint mission to reaffirm Christian identity in the heart of a multicultural city.
The procession featured 53 altar servers, 14 international students adorned in traditional white shirts and orange mundus, and a youth-led passion play that stirred hearts.
These symbols of reverence and cultural pride were a deeply personal reflection of Christ’s suffering and the community’s longing to stand as witnesses to His love, even in the public square.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic community taking part in a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession on April 18 2025.
Many people kneeled to show respect to the Lord during each station of the Way of the Cross and some onlookers made the sign of the cross and knelt when the procession was passing.
The Syro-Malabar Youth Movement played an integral part in preparing for the Way of the Cross procession and were supported by parish trustees, council members, catechism teachers, safeguarding officers, youth animators and volunteers of all ages.
While this marked the third regional Syro-Malabar Way of the Cross in Adelaide, it was the first time the event unfolded on public city streets as it was previously confined to park settings.
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