Inside South Florida’s Good Friday traditions: a solemn procession
By Al Diazadiaz@miamiherald.com
Mario Moreno, front, Walner Hernandez, center, and Melfy Mesa carry the cross during the Stations of the Cross procession on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami.
PHOTO BY AL DIAZ
adiaz@miamiherald.com
South Florida Catholics marked Good Friday in Miami with prayer, reflection and public devotion as Archbishop Thomas Wenski presided over the Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday. Parishioners then joined the Stations of the Cross procession along Northwest Second Avenue, walking together in remembrance of the Passion of Christ.
This visual story captures solemn moments of faith, tradition and community as worshippers publicly observed one of Christianity’s most sacred Holy Week rituals.
Take a look at some of the best moments captured by Miami Herald photographer Al Diaz:
Parishioners adjust the black veil on a statue of Mary during a solemn Stations of the Cross procession along Northwest Second Avenue on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
The Rev. Steven O’Hala joins parishioners during the Stations of the Cross procession along Northwest Second Avenue near St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
An image of the Virgin Mary is displayed on an umbrella during the Stations of the Cross procession along Northwest Second Avenue near St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Parishioners from St. Mary Cathedral take part in the Stations of the Cross procession along Northwest Second Avenue on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
A parishioner kisses the crucifix held by the Rev. Oswaldo Agudelo as Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral. The service was followed by the Stations of the Cross procession on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
The church choir performs as Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Parishioners listen as Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral, followed by the Stations of the Cross procession, on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Parishioner Melfy Mesa prays as Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Archbishop Thomas Wenski presides over Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Miami. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 8:16 PM.
