Calwa church puts on Good Friday reenactment

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Valley church has become known for recreating the final moments of the life of Jesus Christ. The moving tradition has grown immensely over the years.

Hundreds of parishioners filled the streets for the Good Friday celebration near St. Anthony Claret Church in Calwa. The procession took them to 14 Stations of the Cross which depicted events in the final days of Christ.

For many parents it is a chance to teach the young about faith. Naomi Quijas brought her daughter Selma. She said, "We imagine how He suffered for us on the cross."

The event has allowed the church to involve the surrounding neighborhood to become more involved with the celebration. Members of the church's Jeremiah youth group look forward to the annual event.

Abby Pinchpack said, "It's kind of like important to learn about Jesus I think to have faith in our lives."

Isa Leal added, "This is very important to me because I'm very spiritual inside of me so when I come out here it just brings joy to me."

Many elders said the Stations of the Cross celebration helps kids better understand the meaning of Easter.