AFTER HOLY SEASON ends, we often struggle to keep the spiritual momentum moving forward.
What will your month of May look like to keep your spirit strong after Lent?
Will you keep any positive Lenten habits moving forward, or revert to pre-Lenten ways?
How can we make the month of May and beyond an everlasting Lent?
The Catholic Church’s traditions are significant in deepening faith, developing community and building memories. The Stations of the Cross are one such tradition. Holy Family Catholic School in Orange has performed a Good Friday Living Stations of the Cross event for 40 years. The eighth-grade class takes on various roles, such as cantors, narrators and townspeople.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY WATCH THE LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS BEING PERFORMED AT HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The role of the townspeople is what makes this particular Living Stations of the Cross event so unique and special because the siblings of the eighth graders take on these roles. These same eighth graders may have also been the townspeople when their older siblings were where they are now. It’s a special tradition.
Holy Family’s principal, Marie Ubl, has witnessed 27 years Living Stations of the Cross
“They give students a deeper and more insightful meaning of the suffering of Jesus, followed by the 15th Station, and the joy and hope of the Resurrection,” she shared.
Eighth-grade teachers, Marion Nanry and Staci Trout co-directed the event. Students devote 10 hours of rehearsals leading up to Good Friday, and participate in many assignments and activities throughout Lent.
Nanry, who has taught at the school for 26 years, calls the entire process “a miracle.”
“It never fails to move me,” she said.
Trout, who has been at the school for 19 years, spoke of the traditional aspect of the event.
She said that the script’s origin is unknown, but it has remained unchanged over the event’s history.
“The script’s words have a profound impact on the students participating and the people attending the event.”
The Stations of the Cross being depicted on the altar of this cavernous church give all people in attendance, young and old, a view of the Passion of Jesus Christ and unite the church and school of Holy Family into one faithful and tradition-driven spiritual community.
It is the hope that those attending with carry with them the spirit of Lent all year long.