Stations of the Cross deepens understanding

The Bible came to life Friday evening as nearly 150 members of the community gathered in Lenoir to commemorate Jesus' journey down the Via Dolorosa, during the third annual Ecumenical Way of the Cross.

The Via Dolorosa, or the Way of the Cross, is the path Jesus walked from Praetorium to Calvary leading up to the crucifixion.

First Baptist Church of Lenoir, First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Zion United Church of Christ, Fairview Presbyterian Church, St. Stephens Lutheran Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and First United Methodist Church of Lenoir joined forces to present the celebration, which included 14 scenes in the Stations of the Cross.

People of all ages, races and denominations sang as they walked through downtown Lenoir, stopping briefly at each station, beginning at First Baptist Church with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and ending with his placement in the tomb.

Betty Mathews has attended the event every year since it began three years ago.

“I'm paying my debt to Jesus and offering prayers for people who need it, including myself,” Mathews said. “I'm hoping others will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Years ago before it was taken over by Muslims, people would travel to the Holy Land to make the journey to where Jesus was crucified.

The Rev. Matthew Leonard of St. Francis Assisi Church said the event is in preparation for the Easter holiday, and he hopes the event will help people realize the depth of God's love and what He did for mankind through Christ.

When asked what he hoping for during the event, Leonard replied, “that they celebrate the passion of our Lord, and thus be prepared to celebrate Easter.”

Leonard said the Stations of the Cross provides the opportunity for people, who are unable to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, to gain a greater understanding of Jesus' journey to Calvary.

Seventeen-year-old Lorena Cowart also was attending the event for the third year and said it helps her to gain a greater understanding of what Jesus went through.

“It's a chance to pray and reflect,” she said.

Drew Dilsaver, a member of Zion United Church of Christ, portrayed Peter in Station 4 and was eager to see how the crowd would react. He said he was excited about sharing the story of Easter with members of the community.

“It's all about Easter,” Dilsaver said. “That's the purpose of the (Way of the Cross). Hopefully this will continue for years to come.”

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