Living Stations presented by Divine Mercy Parish

CONSTANTIA — The Stations of the Cross came to life at the mission of St. Bernadette March 25, presented by youth from Divine Mercy Parish.

Dressed in costume, students portraying Jesus, Mary, and others held poses illustrating the story of Jesus’ condemnation and crucifixion as student narrators read reflections on each of the 14 stations and led the filled church in prayer.

This was the first year Divine Mercy presented living Stations.

“In everything that we do with youth and family ministry we want to try to involve our families and youth in the life of the church,” explained Adam Eichelberger, coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries for the parish. “So while it’s super-easy for us to look at statues, look at paintings, and reflect on those, when we put a face and a body to the event, it helps us better connect to it. It helps us to better meditate and reflect on the suffering Jesus endured for us, for our salvation, and how necessary that is.”

The students were able to choose the roles they wanted to play. Rob Stevens portrayed Jesus, a role he said he felt called to when he saw his castmates seemed to be avoiding it. Never having acted before, Rob felt confident before the performance. “I just know that God gave me the grace to do this. I have the power to do it,” he said.

The full cast list and photos from the presentation are below, and watch for highlights on an upcoming episode of “Around the Diocese.”