In a heartening display of devotion, St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, held a unique Good Friday experience. The morning began with the Stations of the Cross led entirely by the church’s youth group, a parish tradition for many years.
Young parishioners, their faces etched with concentration and emotion, portrayed the pivotal scenes of Jesus’ final moments. Each station unfolded with quiet reverence and the congregation brought forward candles during the Stations to represent the light chasing away the darkness.
The Stations of the Cross as enacted by families at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, on Good Friday. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Parishioners Jesse and Briony Mowbray, who assist with the reflections and reenactments, explain that each year, the Stations are based around a central theme, with this year’s being ‘God’s truth’.
“We find it really helpful to set aside time to contemplate Christ’s Passion and death, so that we can more fully realise the significance of His sacrifice and the depth of His love for the Father and for us,” they said.
“The greatest victory on earth was won by the gift of Christ’s freely given suffering and death. When we stand near the cross during times of hardship and suffering in our own life, we can unite ourselves with Him and allow Him to transform these difficult moments.
The Stations of the Cross as enacted by families at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, on Good Friday. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“We pray that the experience of the Stations provides an opportunity for personal encounter with Christ.
“He knows each of us intimately and desires to enter into our lives in a deeply personal and life-giving way.”
Parishioner Cecilia Zammit was fortunate to be able to read the scriptures during the Stations and said it was beautiful to be a part of the service.
“It was so moving to be a part of and to be able to reflect on,” she said. “There were times when I would look up from the lectern and I could see parishioners wiping away tears.
“The Stations, with the readings, the narration, the acting and the wonderful music, allowed you to look at the whole scene and imagine yourself in that situation and ask, ‘where am I in this picture?’”
The Stations of the Cross as enacted by families at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, on Good Friday. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“I really feel that the parishioners reflected very deeply during the Stations, knowing that it wasn’t just a performance, but it was truly sacred and a real opportunity to slow down and give thanks to Christ’s sacrifice for us.”
Later that afternoon, at the traditional 3pm Good Friday Veneration of the Cross liturgy, the church resonated with a sombre yet hopeful atmosphere.
Parish Priest Fr Joseph Lam’s sermon offered solace and perspective.
“Even in the darkest moments, there is hope. Remember the parable of the wheat. It must die to bear fruit.” His words resonated deeply with the congregation, particularly as they reflected on the sacrifice depicted earlier in the Stations of the Cross.
A child prays at the foot of the cross following the Stations of the Cross at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, on Good Friday. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Lam drew parallels between Jesus’ suffering and the challenges faced by those gathered. “Many today live with a sense of failure, their lives seemingly devoid of meaning.” He then offered solace, reminding everyone of Mary’s unwavering faith in the face of her son’s torment. “Through her pain, she found meaning in her love for Jesus.”
As the liturgy concluded, a sense of quiet contemplation settled over the congregation. The day’s experience, a powerful combination of youthful devotion and Fr Lam’s insightful homily, served as a reminder of the power of faith and love, even in the face of suffering. Leaving the church, parishioners of all ages lingered in small groups, their conversations subdued yet laced with a newfound resolve. The day’s events had fostered a sense of community and a renewed commitment to the message of hope and redemption.
View images from St Finbar’s Stations of the Cross liturgy here.
View images from St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood’s Veneration of the Cross liturgy here.
