The procession started at 10.15am from St Luke’s Anglican Church, where prayers were also offered for the wider community by the Rev Andrea McDougall.
The large wooden cross was carried from the church in Tees St, heading north to lower Thames St before reaching St Patrick’s Basilica in Reed St in time for a morning combined service led by Fr Freddy Permentilla.
Participants took turns carrying the cross during the procession, which also stopped off at the railway line, the district council building, Oamaru Hospital, the courthouse, the war memorial and St Joseph’s School.
Ms McDougall said they cited scripture along the way and prayed for those in need, including civic leaders, the sick and suffering, business owners, young people who had experienced trauma, grief or loss, as well as for those who had given their lives in war and victims of war around the world.
Reuben Sugrue, 9, who walked with his father, said he had also come to the walk in 2024.
Salvation Army Major Jocelyn Smith said Easter was the ‘‘pinnacle of the church year’’.
‘‘We remember and reflect on the price of freedom that was given to us through the death of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection.
‘‘So it’s a really special time for the churches to come together, united in this one memorial service,’’ she said.
Maj Smith said it was also ‘‘special’’ to have had the first combined churches service at St Patrick’s since the basilica’s renovations were completed last year.
On Sunday, most churches held an Easter celebration service of the resurrection followed by a morning tea, she said.
