The stations of the cross were brought to life on Palm Sunday at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
It was the 32nd year that members of the church, and friends from other parishes, performed the Dramatic Stations of the Cross at the church.
“It’s very important to put the path that Jesus took and what he did for us in real context,” Robert DeColli, co-director of the performance with Rick Smith, said. “When people get to see what he did, it means a lot more and we bring that to life.”
DeColli said they try to add something new to each year’s performance. This year, a strobe light and fog machine were used to add effects when Jesus was being beaten and crucified.
More than 50 people, plus the choir, were involved in this year’s production, including those from other parishes.
“We are all Christians and all share in the story of Christ and we welcome everyone,” DeColli said. “As Christ invited everyone to his table, we invite everyone to our table.”
Jim Blackwell has been involved with the Dramatic Stations at the church for 29 years and has played the devil for the last nine.
“It’s part of my Easter service and I portray whoever they want me to,” Blackwell said. “I played every part but Mary and Jesus and now they can’t get anyone else to play the devil.”
“It’s really a beautiful program each year and it’s fun to do,” Blackwell said.
John F. Vuksta has been part of the program for 17 years and played Jesus for the last 12.
“I started as Barabbas and moved my way up the corporate ladder,” he said.
Before joining the cast, Vuksta said he came to watch the performance every year.
“This is very moving to me. Obviously, it means a lot to play the big guy,” Vuksta said.
Mike Ambrose played Caiaphas, a Jewish high priest. Ambrose has been a part of the cast for about 25 years.
“It’s a nice way to reach out to the people who want to learn more about the passion of our Lord,” he said.
Joining the cast this year was the Rev. Larry Jefferson of In Line with Christ Ministries, Frackville, his wife, Denise, and two daughters. Jefferson said he was invited by members of the congregation to join them.
“We want a fellowship with them and they with us,” he said. “That’s very important. As a pastor of a church, I think we must be together with all churches.”
Jefferson, who played the apostle Andrew, said the live stations gives people a better understanding of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
“I think people will have a better understanding of the meaning of this week — Passion week,” he said.
The parish will also present the Dramatic Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The choir begins at 7:15 p.m.