The Living Stations

by Kathleen Blease

You might have heard of the Passion Play. The Catholic Church calls it The Stations of the Cross, the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a beautiful devotion and observance that follows Jesus's steps through His final days, and it is more than 1,000 years old. At many parishes, youth groups throughout the country act out the Stations, called the Living Stations.

There are fourteen stations, as well as a closing one, making fifteeen in all. Below are photos from our local parish, depicting a few of them.  May God be with these youths and help them contemplate what a remarkable story The Stations of the Cross is.

The Living Stations

enacted by The Easton Area
Catholic Youth Group

at St. Bernard's Oratory

Jesus falls for the first time.

Simon of Cyrene is chosen from the crowd to help Jesus carry His cross.

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

Jesus is nailed to the cross, as Mary watches.
(notice the painting above the altar, depicting the same.)

Jesus is taken down from the cross.

Of course, the story does not end here. It is only the beginning--with His Resurrection, the conquering of death. The closing station takes place in front of the tabernacle, the dwelling of our Living Lord, who resides there by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Many thanks to the Easton Area Catholic Youth Group and to Mrs. Loretta Susen for providing these terrific photos!

God bless!