Gatherings scheduled for Stations of the Cross
Local
On Good Friday large numbers of Catholics will gather to remember the Passion of Christ by praying the Stations of the Cross outdoors at the likes of The Monastery at Glen Osmond and St Joseph's School oval at Kingswood.
In an annual show of respect to the Lord, the Emmaus Catholic Parish community converges on the oval for a silent re-enactment of the stations and contemporary prayer reflection.
“It takes place at 11am on Good Friday and gets more popular year on year,” says Emmaus Catholic Parish, Kingswood, parishioner Karen de Sousa.
“We even have people of other faiths join us annually. It is fully accessible and appealing to young and old alike, and is finished off with Hot Cross Buns and drinks. It is the perfect Easter mediation”.
The practice, which began with early Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem, involves walking through, meditating on, or re-enacting the 14 key events of the Passion, from the condemnation of Jesus to his burial.
Last year, Adelaide artist Grace Lam was thrilled to ‘perform’ the act of Jesus carrying the cross and seeing Mary in the crowd. It was a moving sight of raw emotion and vulnerability.
Grace is a self-taught artist Down Syndrome and hearing visual impairments. She is also a talented performing artist and musician. When asked how she felt while playing the role of Jesus, Grace replied, “I felt like the Chosen One”.
“Grace’s performance helped me to spiritually experience that Jesus would have been in great physical pain, while feeling very scared and alone in saying goodbye to his mother,” said parishioner Melanie Hicks.
“It was immensely touching and brought tears to my eyes. For me Lent is an opportunity to slow down, reflect and accept, with Easter being the start of new beginnings.”
Stations of the Cross takes place at many locations during Lent, including St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. Visit adelaide.catholic.org.au or check your parish website or newsletter for updates.
