The 14 Stations of the Cross came to life at Consolata Cemetery on Palm Sunday. Each station featured the walk that Jesus took, from the moment he is condemned to death to when he is laid in the tomb. A crowd gathered around and followed “Jesus” every step of his passion.

Father Ruben Buller with the Diocese of Lake Charles said it’s a tradition that goes back for many centuries. “It’s a meaningful way for people who would like to walk with Jesus and retrace what happened 2000 years ago. We hope to see what they saw and feel what they felt.”

He said that Church parishes have smaller Stations of the Cross.

At the first station, Jesus is condemend to death. Caiaphas, high priest, thinks Jesus should die for the treason of claiming to be king of the Jews.

For Moss Bluff resident Elliot Champagne, this was the fourth year that he played Jesus. “It means everything to me. It’s a terrifying thing to prepare for, but God qualifies the call. We’re called to carry our cross and die to it, just as we’re called to the resurrection.”

Lake Charles native Makinzy Fontenot played Mary this year for the first time. “It’s very moving and powerful to be a part of this. It’s also fun to be a part of something that’s so rooted in our hearts and history.”

Bridget McMorris of Lake Charles played Mary Magdalene. She said she felt God’s mercy and grace. “It’s very humbling because you don’t feel worthy but God equips us for it.”

“We’re here to witness the reenactment of the Stations of the Cross. Jesus died on the cross for us and that’s meaningful,” said Lake Charles native Monica LeBlanc.

Sheila Champagne, from Lake Charles, said this is a wonderful experience for her. “The weather is beautiful. It’s very spiritual and personal.”

Priscilla Sosa, from Lake Charles, said she wanted her husband to experience what Jesus has done. “I want to see what my Lord has done for us and all that he went through to set us free from our sins and identify with his suffering.”

“This is my first time coming here. I have two grandsons, Kadeon and Hunter, converting to Catholicism. They’re going to know exactly the steps Jesus took before his death,” said Vickie Boudreaux of Lake Charles.

June Guinn of Jennings said she came to this when she was younger and it really “made an impression”. “I think it’s something my kids need to experience. It’s something they’ll never forget.”

“My friend told me about this and we just buried my mother here a week ago so I wanted to come. This is going through the memory of following Jesus to the cross. I’ve never seen a live one before”, said Terri Brown of Lake Charles.

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Rick Hickman