Stations of the Cross tradition resumes after Covid

Barb McLaughlin is the driving force behind a popular yearly reenactment of the death and resurrection Jesus. It takes place at St. Michael;s today at 7:30 pm

For the past 8 years a group of people have been reenacting the Stations of the Cross as a supplement to the Easter celebrations at St. Michael’s Basilica.  Organizer Barb McLaughlin says it’s a popular event that takes place at 7:30 pm each Good Friday at the church, and  tells the story of Christ from the Last Supper to His resurrection.

McLaughlin said she incorporated something similar with a youth group she looked after for years, but decided in 2012 she wanted to prepare a yearly event and have adult members of the church take the lead in it. The story is an emotional one, and McLaughlin says the actors as well as the spectators are moved by the music and retelling of the story each year. 

Last year the event had to be cancelled because of Covid, but they are looking forward to restarting the tradition, says McLaughlin.

Fifteen to eighteen people play roles in the reenactment and rehearse and prepare for weeks leading up to Good Friday, but this year it was a little rushed as they got a late start because of the uncertainty around Covid restrictions.  Some of the same people participate each year, but because of the need to maintain “bubbles” there are some new people participating this year including a couple that recently moved to Miramichi from the Philippines, they will play the part of Jesus and Mary.

McLaughlin says the stage was constructed and donated by James M Hill, as well as a beautiful armoire donated by teacher Richard Gionet in the name of some family members  that is used to hold all the props and costumes.  Over the 8 years the event has been happening, the costumes have improved and are really impressive.  McLaughlin jokes and boasts about having the “best dressed apostles”.  She says the costumes are fashioned after the pictures in her favourite books about Easter.

As people arrive at the church for the event, everyone is met at the door by an Apostle.  There is plenty room for everyone at St. Michaels, even with spacing for Covid restrictions.  Picture taking is encouraged and children can sit right up front on the floor where they can get a close-up and unobstructed view.