By Sister Peggy Juskelis, SSND
Now that it's Lent again, my thoughts turn to a long-standing tradition in my home parish, St. Joseph Monastery in Baltimore. It was customary in the parish for a large group of parishioners, crossing generations, to produce a Passion Play. "Veronica’s Veil" was staged on each Sunday during Lent.
While in early grades, I was an enthusiastic member of the school-wide audience for the first Sunday of Lent. Later, as an eighth grader, I was able to join the cast as one of the Christians.
Children and adults took part, playing the roles of Roman soldiers, saints, and sinners. Adults also served as stage crew and costumers, each sharing gifts needed for this major undertaking.
During the other Sundays of Lent, busloads of people came from surrounding parishes to fill the auditorium.
I was quite impressed that so many would come each year to experience this dramatic production of the Passion and the early life of the church.
I also learned basic theater arts elements, such as make-up and costuming, staging, light and sound production. It was really neat to learn how they made the sound of thunder on demand!
The memories that I value most supersede the dramatic arts, though. I value the memory of working together to share the joyful message of redemption. I value the community that was created, the service we devoted to each other, the gifts we gave freely.
I still feel the spirit of dedication and commitment to sharing the good news that I felt back then. That spirit is called forth, and born again, every Lent.
