St. John’s in Center City marks Good Friday with ‘Via Crucis’

St. John the Evangelist parish observed Good Friday by staging “Via Crucis,” a musical score from Franz Liszt depicting the Stations of the Cross.

WHYY staff
Jonathan Wilson

April 19, 2019

In the opening procession of “Via Crucis”, Jesus, portrayed by Marc Newsome, Mary, portrayed by Melanie Ashe, an the Weeping Women played by Miranda Pilate and Megan Short walk down the center aisle of St. John the Evangelist Church. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)

St. John the Evangelist parish observed Good Friday by staging “Via Crucis,” a musical score from Franz Liszt depicting the Stations of the Cross.

Performers under the direction of Annette DiMedio acted out the final sufferings of Jesus, leading up to his crucifixion.

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As Jesus falls, Mary and the Weeping Women cry out while Simon, portrayed by Langston Massey-Jefferson, helps to carry the cross. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
At the Sixth Station of the Cross, Veronica, portrayed by Tonya Mayo, wipes the face of Jesus. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Centurions, played by Mark Samani and Radick Hastings, strip Jesus of his garments at the 10th Station of the Cross. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Mary, portrayed by Melanie Ashe, cradles Jesus, portrayed by Marco Newsome, after he is taken down from the cross. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Prior to the "Via Crucis" or The Way of the Cross, producer Annette DiMedio, right, reviews details with the cast. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Mary, Veronica, and the Weeping Women reach out to Jesus as he carries the cross. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Simon the Cyrene played by Langston Massey-Jefferson helps Jesus carry the cross at the 5th Station of the Cross. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Mary, portrayed by Melanie Ashe, reaches out to Jesus as he carries the cross. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)

Some parishes choose to act out the the 14 Stations of the Cross through the streets. This performance worked its way up the aisle and to the area around the altar in the ornate Center City parish.

Performers used movement and music to tell the story, portraying Jesus, Mary, the disciples and Roman soldiers.

Good Friday is a day of fasting and reflection as Christians prepare to celebrate Easter two days later.

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