In Good Friday procession, Mexico City barrio fulfills debt to God

Published: 2005-03-28

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Jeovani Salazar set down his cross and walked gingerly into the shade to catch his breath. After hauling the 130-pound crucifix around his neighborhood barefoot since the crack of dawn, his shoulders ached from the burden, and the glaring sun was starting to wear on him. But that's why he came. "Of course this hurts, but that's what it's all about -- the sacrifice," said Salazar, 23, taking care to keep his blistered feet off the sun-baked concrete. "When God answers your prayers, you have to come through on your end of the deal," he added. Salazar was one of some 2,000 Catholic men and boys from Mexico City's Iztapalapa barrio who set out Good Friday to complete their "manda," or pledge, to God.

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