In a Way of the Cross reenactment, Jesus is crucified under the open sky, in front of Dinajpur Cathedral in Bangladesh on April 18, 2025. (Piyas Biswas)
by Piyas Biswas
On Good Friday, April 18, a tradition came to life in Dinajpur, a northern district of Bangladesh. Hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered at Dinajpur Cathedral to take part in the annual "Way of the Cross," a solemn reenactment of Jesus Christ's final journey to Calvary.
This sacred ceremony, observed for more than 25 years, is a key part of the Lenten season for the local community. The youth of the Dinajpur Koshba Parish organized the event and played a central role in performing the 14 Stations of the Cross, each one representing a moment from Christ's suffering and crucifixion.
Fr. Bidya Barman, assistant parish priest of Dinajpur Cathedral, said that he hopes such programs will help strengthen the bond between the youth and the church. "They are the future of our community," he added. Barman also said that more than 500 people attended this year's event.
Youth participants dress in costume as they prepare for the Way of the Cross presentation inside the Dinajpur Cathedral parish building in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, on Good Friday. (Piyas Biswas)
Youth participants prepare for the Way of the Cross presentation inside the Dinajpur Cathedral parish building. (Piyas Biswas)
Youth participants prepare for the Way of the Cross presentation inside the Dinajpur Cathedral parish building. (Piyas Biswas)
Around 30 young men and women brought the story to life through a heartfelt performance that began inside the cathedral. The first 10 stations took place inside the church, surrounded by candlelight, prayer and reflection. The final four stations continued outside, in front of the church building. Even as rain began to fall, the faithful stood with umbrellas under the open sky, participating with deep devotion.
Dressed in costume, the young performers carried a large wooden cross, walking barefoot. Their expressions reflected both sorrow and hope, reminding everyone of the meaning behind Christ's sacrifice.
Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus to his enemies during a reenactment of the Way of the Cross at Dinajpur Cathedral on Good Friday. (Piyas Biswas)
Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate for judgment during the Way of the Cross reenactment. (Piyas Biswas)
People, including priests and nuns, watch the Way of the Cross reenactment inside Dinajpur Cathedral. (Piyas Biswas)
The cross is placed on Jesus' shoulder during the Way of the Cross reenactment. (Piyas Biswas)
This event is special not only for its spiritual depth but also its cultural richness. Alongside Bengali Christians, many Indigenous believers from the Santal, Oraon, Mahali, Mahato, Mundari, Paharia and Kshatriya communities joined the prayer and reflection. Their presence added a strong message of unity in diversity, as people from different backgrounds came together in faith.
Nasalius Marandi, 62, a former high school teacher and member of the Mahali community, said, "There are 42 Mahali families in this parish. People from different communities come here and worship together in harmony."
Selina Murmu, a member of the Santal community, said, "The Way of the Cross inspires me to cleanse my heart. That's why I came, even though it was raining."
Jesus meets his mother, Mary, during the Way of the Cross reenactment. (Piyas Biswas)
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross during the Way of the Cross. (Piyas Biswas)
Veronica wipes Jesus' face during the Way of the Cross. (Piyas Biswas)
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem during the Way of the Cross. (Piyas Biswas)
Jesus falls for the third time during the Way of the Cross. (Piyas Biswas)
Shanti Rani Sr. Roseline Rozario and her choir sing during the Way of the Cross. (Piyas Biswas)
A child and his mother watch the Way of the Cross reenactment inside Dinajpur Cathedral. (Piyas Biswas)
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A child delights in the raindrops during the Way of the Cross, standing under the open sky in front of Dinajpur Cathedral. (Piyas Biswas)
Holy Cross Fr. Bidya Barman leads the prayer during the Way of the Cross as it rains outside Dinajpur Cathedral. (Piyas Biswas)
The crowd included children, youth, and elders. Priests and nuns stood among them, offering prayers and blessings. The peaceful silence was broken only by hymns and prayers that echoed through the church grounds.
Holy Cross Br. Kajol Linus Costa said, "Jesus' journey with the cross reminds us to live a holy life." He believes the youth's involvement will help take the parish forward.
The choir for the Way of the Cross was led by Shanti Rani Sr. Roseline Rozario of the Catechist Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Angels. "Music is an important part of remembering Jesus' suffering," she said, quoting words often attributed to St. Augustine: "He who sings well, prays twice."
Xavier Minj Oli, the youth leader of the Dinajpur Diocese, said, "We take part in such events out of our social and religious responsibility. In the future, we are also ready to face other social challenges and fulfill our moral duties."
A thief is crucified in front of Dinajpur Cathedral during the Way of the Cross reenactment. (Piyas Biswas)
People watch the Way of the Cross reenactment outside Dinajpur Cathedral. (Piyas Biswas)
People witness Jesus' crucifixion during the Way of the Cross reenactment outside Dinajpur Cathedral. (Piyas Biswas)
An elderly woman attends the Way of the Cross. (Piyas Biswas)
Jesus is laid to rest in the tomb during the Way of the Cross at Dinajpur Cathedral in Bangladesh on April 18, 2025. (Piyas Biswas)
