"Don't live normally - live extremely" this is the motto of an exceptional service that is organized in nearly 30 locations all over Poland.
On 4 April, at 8.00 PM, the second Wroclaw Extreme Way of the Cross (Ekstremalna Droga Krzyżowa, EDK) will take place. The pilgrims will walk from Plac Dominikański in Wroclaw to Mount Ślęża. Volunteers who are not afraid to take the challenge and are ready to have this exceptional Lent experience can register now. The number of spots is limited.
"This year we prepared two routes: one is 49 km long and the other - 50 km long. Both lead to Mount Ślęża", said Łukasz Bujło, the spokesman of Wroclaw Extreme Way of the Cross. "We expect to have 400 participants, 200 on each route", he added.
The organizers will provide reflective elements and Way of the Cross contemplation topics. However, each volunteer must consider his or her physical fitness and health. Last year, out of the 66 participants, only 50 persons reached Mount Ślęża. "This service is truly extreme, but we do not want to discourage anyone. On the contrary - we encourage everyone", said Bujło.
Route for experienced hikers
Preparations are necessary, however, and they need to be solid. The organizer's website reads that "the route is intended for experienced hikers who exercise for at least 5 hours a week (running, bike riding, fitness, etc.) and who are experienced in long-distance hiking." They must also be prepared for bad weather, which is frequent in this season of the year. "A Thermos flask with tea and warm clothing are a must. Last year we walked in biting cold", remembered the spokesman of Wroclaw Extreme Way of the Cross.
The participants should have 1-1.2 m tall birch tree crosses. "Some people take part in our event just for fun but we must keep in mind that this is a religious event", explains Łukasz Bujło.
The organizers of Wroclaw Extreme Way of the Cross are members and graduates of the "Dominik" Catholic Campus Ministry. The honorary patron of the event is Archbishop Józef Krupny, the Wroclaw metropolitan. The person who invented the EWC is Father Jacek Stryczek, and his "Męska strona rzeczywistości" (Man's Side of Reality) community. The first edition of the Wroclaw Extreme Way of the Cross took place in 2009. At that time, about 150 persons walked from Krakow to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. Since then, the number of routes and persons who want to implement this idea in various parts of Poland and abroad has been increasing each year.
You can register to participate in the Extreme Way of the Cross at www.edk.org.pl
arc
