THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 16, 1997 TAG: 9702160052
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DIANE TENNANT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 88 lines
The footsteps of Christ were made in the mud on Saturday, on paths overhung with Spanish moss and dripping leaves.
``We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,'' said Benedictine priest John Peck, and the 18 gathered around him answered, ``Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.''
During Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, many Christians will observe the Stations of the Cross. The Oblates of St. Benedict, a lay religious group, decided this year to take its observation outdoors, to First Landing/Seashore State Park.
``Seashore State Park is perfect for that. It's so beautiful,'' said Wendi Delatte, who organized the observance. ``The Stations of the Cross kind of mirror that last few days of his life.''
Each station represents an event in Jesus' last journey, from his death sentence to his burial. The solemn ritual will be repeated many times until Easter, when Christians celebrate the promise of eternal life made by Christ's resurrection.
The rain had stopped by the time the small group gathered at the entrance to Bald Cypress Trail, but branches continued to drip overhead. The air was chilly, but Delatte brooked no complaints about suffering.
``Do you think Jesus, when he was on his way to the cross, looked at The Weather Channel before he went?'' she asked.
Bob Jedlicka picked up the small wooden cross and led the way to the first station.
At each station, Delatte read a passage describing the historical scene, written through the eyes of Mary, Jesus' mother. Chris Briggs read the modern-day responses, asking for forgiveness.
The way at first was on a boardwalk, wet but flat and secure. Gradually, the path changed, first to dirt, then to tree roots, from smooth to uphill and down.
``I felt helpless,'' Delatte read at the fourth station. ``Then his eyes said to me, `Courage! There is a purpose for this.' As he stumbled on, I knew he was right. So I followed and prayed silently.''
One follower shivered visibly in a lightweight coat. Others pulled up hoods and reached for gloves. Lennie Punsalan looked around at the quiet woods. ``This is kind of pretty,'' she said. ``I'm not much of a wilderness person, but . . . ''
At the 12th station, which represents Jesus dying on the cross, Father John paused and sang, first alone, then with the group joining in, ``Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.''
While some stop at the 14th station with Christ's burial, Saturday's observance went to 15, to include the resurrection. ``It's a more contemporary view, to believe we stand in the glory of the resurrection instead of the shadow of the cross,'' Delatte explained.
At the end, members of the group held hands during the Lord's Prayer.
``Father,'' called John Craig when it was over. ``I have never heard this version of the stations. It was beautiful.
``It has made our day.'' MEMO: The Oblates of St. Benedict will sponsor Stations of the Cross at
First Landing/Seashore State Park on Saturday, March 29, the day before
Easter. It is open to the public. Participants should gather at the
visitors' center by noon. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
ON THE PATH TO EASTER
IAN MARTIN/The Virginian-Pilot
Bob Jedlicka, left, and the Rev. John Peck, a Benedictine priest,
lead worshipers down a trail at First Landing/Seashore State Park on
Saturday. The 12 Stations of the Cross represent events in Jesus'
journey to his crucifixion.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
1. Christ is condemned to death.
2. Christ takes up his cross.
3. He falls for the first time.
4. Christ meets his mother.
5. Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Christ carry the cross.
6. Veronica wipes the face of Christ.
7. He falls for the second time.
8. He talks to the women of Jerusalem.
9. He falls for the third time.
10. He is stripped of his garments.
11. Christ is nailed to the cross.
12. Christ dies on the cross.
13. His body is taken down.
14. His body is placed in the tomb.
15. Christ is raised from the dead.