St. Petronille brings passion to the streets with drive-by Stations of the Cross

St. Petronille Catholic Church's Stations of the Cross observance was a bit different this year.

Calls for social distancing and Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order caused leaders at the Glen Ellyn church to think outside the box. The result was a drive-by/walk-by Good Friday event with different stations set up at addresses across town.

"It's a fabulous idea. We followed along on YouTube as we walked," said Liz Skirvin of Glen Ellyn.

Skirvin and her husband, Tat, said they plan to attend a virtual online Easter service this Sunday.

Stations of the Cross is a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man.

Good Friday is a Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.

"It was a great idea to give people the chance to still do the Stations of the Cross even though they couldn't physically go to church," said Joanna Avignone, who followed the route with her husband, David, and children, Claudia, 5, Maria, 4, and John, 22 months.

The stations were ordered so people could follow them efficiently by walking, biking or driving. The route totaled 6.2 miles from beginning to end.

Amy Serritella of Winfield, who visited the stations with Patricia Wagner of Glen Ellyn, thought the plan was excellent. "It was a lovely idea and they should do this every year."