Way of the Cross re-enactment moves parishioners to tears in Penang
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tears welled up among parishioners as a man portraying Jesus walked slowly through the crowd, drawing the faithful into the pain, compassion and sacrifice of Good Friday at the Minor Basilica of St Anne.
The Passion Play unfolded through a series of scenes, including Jesus being condemned, the carrying of the cross and His eventual crucifixion.
Many watched in silence, some visibly moved as the performance progressed at the 138-year-old Catholic church yesterday.
Held in remembrance of Jesus’ final journey, the re-enactment featured 14 stations depicting the Way of the Cross, guiding worshippers through the moments leading to His death on the Holy Cross.
Rev Bernard Hyacinth, who led the mass, said the church’s youth members had volunteered and prepared the play.
“The Way of the Cross is to remember what Jesus went through when He was put to death,” he said.
Among those present was engineer Jason Marcus, 32, from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who said attending the Good Friday observance in Penang was especially meaningful.
“Watching the Passion Play reminded me of the suffering, compassion and love of Jesus Christ, and it made me feel connected to my faith even while being far from home,” he said.
Retiree Mary Tan Siew Kheng, 68, said the annual observance remained a meaningful part of her faith.
“Every station tells us something important about endurance, forgiveness and love. No matter how many times I attend this, it still touches my heart,” said Tan, who was with her family.
The observance also included several key liturgical segments, including the Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and a Communion service.
