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This past month, I had the opportunity to attend The Way of the Cross presented by The Franciscan Mystery Players during my church's Lenten series. In the words of the written program, this hour-long production is a "contemplative experience of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. In its deeper sense, this evening is NOT A PLAY, but a real meditation on the events leading up to the death of Jesus on the cross."
Narrated by two adults, this presentation includes 12 young people who take on various roles throughout. They move but they do not speak. They begin on stage in contemporary clothing and subtly change dress to that of Christ's era. The music, consisting of various selections from contemporary to hymns to even a few movie scores, effectively notes each stage in the journey of Christ from the Garden of Gethsemane to His glorious rising.
In truth, The Way of the Cross is an hour-long study in prayer which is what makes it so unique. Throughout the presentation, prayer is offered not just for the passion but for contemporary issues as well. It does not focus on specifics but offers meditation on how we live our lives today.
Located in various states throughout the country, including California, Colorado, New Hampshire, Florida, New York and New Jersey, there are 11 groups in total. The Franciscan Mystery Players offer 4 other productions as well: The Birth of Jesus, Jesus the Healer, The Story of St. Francis, and The Sorrowful Mysteries.
I found The Way of the Cross one of the most moving productions I have ever witnessed. If you have the opportunity to see one of their meditations, I urge you to do so. This visual and aural experience is promising, healing, and rewarding.
If you would like more information, their website is a .org and is called mysteryplay.
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