A DRAMATIC re-enactment of Christ’s last hours on earth had Aquinas College, Southport students on the edge of their seats on April 5.
Year 12 student Anthony Symons, who played Jesus, and a cast of more than 90 students staged the Palm Sunday scenes in the college’s middle school area before moving to the assembly area for a dramatic trial and whipping scene and on to the crucifixion outside the college drama centre.
The whole student body cheered as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.
They later changed roles as they called for his death at the trial.
In a darkened drama centre, they reflected on the crucified Jesus lying at the foot of the cross in the arms of his mother, Mary.
The script, directly from Scripture, was narrated by students, with key cast members speaking their own lines and the college choir singing at each station of the cross, as they followed Jesus on his journey to Calvary.
Assistant principal for religious education Bryan Foster said the college tried hard to make its liturgical celebrations relevant to students.
“The involvement of the whole school helps this considerably,” he said.
The ceremony ended in Mary Immaculate Church, Southport, where each student and staff member placed a flower on a wooden cross to celebrate the Resurrection.
This was followed by a liturgical dance by Year 10 students.
