Great Bend parish presents Passion of Christ

By Dale Hogg

Special to the Register

For a short time Friday afternoon, April 6, downtown Great Bend became the dusty streets of ancient Jerusalem.

A throng of robe-clad spectators gathered around the Courthouse Square to catch a glimpse of what was happening, as a young man staggered along, whipped and taunted by a squad of Roman soldiers. He carried a wooden cross over his shoulder.

It was the Easter story being brought vividly to life, from Christ’s entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion. As part of their Good Friday observance, the crowd of predominately Hispanic Great Bend Catholics played out the Passion and Stations of the Cross, despite a stiff north wind and near-freezing temperatures.

The drama started at the courthouse and concluded behind St. Rose Auditorium. All readings were done in Spanish.

"The freezing and the cold are nothing. It is just a drop in the bucket compared to what Jesus did for us," said Mercedes Helms, pageant director.

This marked the second year Hispanic Prince of Peace parishioners have presented the Passion of Christ. "It’s a statement of our faith, our culture and our thankfulness to God our creator for all the blessings that he gives to us every day," Helms said.

Such celebrations are common on Good Friday worldwide. But, "to get this type of commitment here is a very good thing."

Helms said she intends the program to be open to all Catholics. "I invited the whole parish," she said.

"We would like to thank everybody that participated in this act of faith, despite the cold weather," Helms said.

Ceferina Arias, one of the event coordinators, echoed Helms’ sentiments. "I want to thank the Hispanic youth of Great Bend and the people that helped make this happen." Aries also headed up the team that made the elaborate costumes.

Event organizers also appreciated the efforts of Tello Reyes from the Tierra Brava band for help with the sound.

Helms said she hopes to see the size of the crowd double next year. She also plans to give the program in English.

Narrators: Seferina Arias, Ana Martínez

Jesus: Saúl Delgadillo

Peter: Martin Arias

John: Jorge Martínez

Juda: Horacio Vásquez (also one of the two

crucified men)

Other Disciples:

Patrick McCluskey,

Jonathan Allende,

Alberto Salas (also

Joseph of Arimathea),

Reyes Silva,

Bryan Vásquez,

Alan Vásquez,

Eric Alcalá,

José Hernández

Mary: Melissa Valles

Mary of Magdala: Maura Cruz

Pontios Pilate:

Emmanuel Allende

King Herod:

Mercedes Helms

The Veronica:

Marcella McCluskey

Juan Carlos García

Satan/Barabbas:

Salvador Rodríguez

Crucified man #2 with Jesus: Anselmo

Calzada

Walter Helms,

Anthony Valenzuela,

Juan Serna,

Elias Arias,

Eric Arias

Nikalem Helms,

Verónica Calzada,

Aleza Calzada,

María Inés Calzada,

Cecilia Hernández,

Sandra Hernández,

María Guadalupe Serna,

Crystal Arias,

Dulce Arias,

Aracelly Poblano,

Daniela Mora,

Alejandra Guevara,

María Guevara