For the Christ Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, the annual Hike for Christ is an ecumenical event as the congregation is joined in the hike by members of other Christian churches it passes.

For organizer Heather Aulich, the hike is a personal witness to her faith.

“It’s such a powerful expression of our faith to show the city of Thibodaux we do believe in Jesus Christ, and to share in his walk,” said Aulich, who has participated in the event since she was a teenager. “Carrying the cross itself is a hardship, but it’s worth it.”

Richard and Margaret Landry of Thibodaux have participated in the hike since it began 27 years ago and said they continue because of their Catholic faith. They also credit their faith for keeping them close their last 50 years of marriage.

Margaret Landry said the hike helps her feel she’s walking in the footsteps of Christ. “Just to know he carried the cross, and he was brutally whipped and beaten before and very weak, and he still carried the heavy cross,” she said.

“It’s an experience,” said Richard Landry.  “It’s something you won’t forget.”