A faith-filled teenager from Tonga was the human face of our Saviour during Friday’s poignant live re-enactment of Jesus’ crucifixion at Holy Family Parish Mt Druitt.
About 400 worshippers converged on the oval at Holy Family Primary Emerton to witness 19-year-old Tevita Fatai, along with other actors chosen from among the young adult parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church, depict “The Way of the Cross.”
The Way of the Cross is a traditional Lenten devotional practice that invites participants to walk with Jesus Christ on his final journey to Calvary Hill.
Tevita described depicting Jesus as “humbling,” in a personal and spiritual sense, and didn’t hold back professing his devotion to the Lord.
19-year-old Tevita Fatai, described depicting Jesus as “humbling” for this years’ reenactment of the Stations of the Cross at Holy Family Parish, Emerton. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“He means everything to me; without Him I’d be living without purpose,” Tevita said.
On Good Friday, Christians throughout the world reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.
At Holy Family Parish, parishioners of all ages and nationalities sprawled on the grass, transfixed, as actors dressed in costume took them on a physical journey through the Stations of the Cross.
From being condemned to death and carrying the cross, to falling three times, encountering the Virgin Mary and consoling the “daughters of Jerusalem,” the actors performed the 14 devotions, or stations, with humble detail and devotion.
The audience was visibly invested in the unfolding drama, made all the more real for the contemporaneous examples of the types of “crosses” Christians carry every day, as detailed in the adapted script by Liturgy Committee Member, Cathy Larkin.
Reenactment of the Stations of the Cross at Holy Family Parish, Emerton. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“There are the burdens that we all carry, burdens of illness, pain and disability, of old age, dependence and caring for someone who no longer knows who we are. The invitation of Jesus on the cross is to hand over these burdens to Him.”
“Our suburbs are filled with people who carry their personal crosses, people who are bruised, battered and broken,” the crowd heard.
“Jesus continues to be crucified in the 10 children who die every minute of hunger in our world. He is crucified in all who are maimed, damaged and displaced because of war.
“He is crucified in all who are marginalised in our society because of their race or gender. He is crucified in those who are abused… in the exploitation of the earth and its resources.”
Reenactment of Station 6, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
At the second station, as Jesus took up His cross, the crowd heard that “a cross is not just a piece of wood, it is everything that makes life difficult.” At the third station, as Jesus fell for the first time, the Narrator gently reminded us that experiencing adversity is a necessary part of life and growth, and that we should learn to get back on our feet after setbacks.
During the service the devotees were urged to “be more aware of the crosses that others bear and make time to relieve them,” as Simon the Cyrene, a stranger in Jerusalem, did when he lent his shoulder “to one who’s own had given out … [by] taking on himself the cross, which Jesus could no longer carry.”
Among the gathered faithful was Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Renato Zecchin SJ, who said he was “really moved by the performance because there was a connection with life and Jesus.”
Parishioners watch the Stations of the Cross reenactment. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“The Liturgy Committee is always looking to find new ways to engage and surprise people,” parish secretary and youth minister, Malia Lolesio, said. “Thank God for good weather!”
Tui Kolovatu, a Holy Family churchgoer since birth, said it was great to see the whole community come out for such a special performance by the local youth.
“Just to get a little glimpse of what it really was like for Jesus really touched the heart,” Tui said.
Asked how the re-enactment had made her feel, six-year-old Olivia Fatu said simply, “Blessed for Jesus saving me.”
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