At the second station of the cross, Jesus carries the cross during St. Anthony of Padua parish 59th presentation of 'Via Crucis' in 2019. Dialog photo/Don Blake
Via Crucis, Latin for “The Way of The Cross”, is a living passion play presented at 7:30 p.m., every Friday in Lent, ending with the Good Friday performance on April 19 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington.
St. Anthony of Padua Church invites people to participate in its presentation of the Via Crucis, a live re-enactment of the last days of Christ by area schoolchildren.
The one-hour performance, blending traditional music, pantomime, and the words of the Gospel is staged at St. Anthony’s Church, 905 North DuPont Street in Wilmington.
More than 100 students from area elementary, high schools and colleges make up the cast of the Via Crucis, recalling Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his betrayal and conviction, and culminating with his crucifixion and burial. This Lenten tradition is supported by an active group of adult directors, costumers, lighting and sound technicians and choir members.
There is no admission charge for the Via Crucis, although a free-will donation is welcomed. Groups over 10 can call St. Anthony’s Rectory, 302-421-3700, for reservations. No reservations are accepted for Good Friday’s presentation.
The 1st station Jesus condemned during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
At the 13th station Jesus is taken down from the cross during St. Anthony of Padua parish 59th presentation of the Via Crucis in 2019. Dialog photo/Don Blake
Jesus meets the children during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
The last supper during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
An angel some to Jesus during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
The crowd call for Jesus arrest during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
At the second station of the cross, Jesus carries the cross during St. Anthony of Padua parish 59th presentation of ‘Via Crucis’ in 2019. Dialog photo/Don Blake
The 3rd station Jesus fall for the first time during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
The 4th station Jesus meets his mother during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
The 11th station Jesus is Crucified during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
Judas betrayed Jesus for a bag of silver during St. Anthony of Padua Church 59th Presentation of the Via Crucis, Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo/Don Blake
