As I read along chapter 5, I felt that this chapter was something I could relate to. I have attended several different reenactments of the stations of the cross at varying churches. Different churches have different ways in which they like to (for lack of better wording) perform this ritual. Galvez visited different churches (Saint John Parish and Our Lady of the Rosary) and she noted the differences in how the “El Viacrucis” was practiced according to the perspective locations.
I had never heard of anything like “El Viacrucis” before. It is kind of fascinating to me- to hear about this unique way of presenting the Crucifixion. The processions of the stations of the cross that I have been to have been more so strict reenactments. I have seen children reenact it which helps to teach the youth the story in a more gentile manner and I have seen much more detailed and emotional depictions, but I have never heard of the stations of the cross being compared to the rough life of an immigrant.
For me, the remembrance of Jesus bearing the cross should be a remembrance ceremony, not comparison. I feel like it would be strange and less important to me if it was compared to the troubles of everyday life because in my opinion, this was a situation that shouldn’t really be compared to anything. I can see, however, how the church could appeal to a large immigrant community in poverty and crime stricken areas by bringing in the harsh aspects of their everyday life. I’m sure that by comparing the struggle of such an influential religious figure to the struggles of the immigrants did help to inspire them. I think it would be really interesting to see a depiction of the Crucifixtion like that of El Viacrucis. Although it isn’t something that I’m used to, I think that in the neighborhoods where it happens, it may be much more of a deeper, religious ceremony.
