2025 - The People of Jerusalem

The people of Jerusalem are the target of the whole drama of the Passion of Jesus. He is going through all this to save them and us. All of these smaller roles are important to give us a glimpse into the ultimate end goal of this re-enactment. The people of Jerusalem include the women, children and men that while not having major speaking roles or only appearing in one scene, they add the context we need.

Many of these women and children were part of the play for the first time. A lot of them had no idea they would actually be in the play when they got into their car for the drive down to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy!

The first scene for the people is the entry of Jesus and his disciples into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They get to wave large palm branches and cry "Alleluia!" and so on.

A little later, some of the people accuse Peter of being one of the disciples of Jesus. As they follow Peter around the courtyard, he denies Jesus three times before the cock crowed the second time.

Simon of Cyrene was just visiting Jerusalem with his two children. He was "volunteered" by the Roman soldiers to assist Jesus carry His cross.

This year, the actor playing Simon of Cyrene was also "volunteered" when I was informed 20 minutes before the play began that the fellow who had confirmed his attendance wouldn't be coming after I called him to see where he was. 

Our volunteer did an excellent job helping Jesus carry his cross, despite their height differences!

Veronica met Jesus along the Way of the Cross. When the soldiers were distracted by a clash at the rear of the procession and the two criminals made an escape attempt at the front, Veronica stepped into the gap and was able to wipe the face of Jesus with her cloth.

A short while later, Jesus meets the Women of Jerusalem and consoles them telling them to not weep for Him.

Finally, the people of Jerusalem are at the foot of the cross, completing their journey from the start with praise to the end with sorrow, but hope of a glorious new beginning on Easter Sunday.

I would like to thank all of the actors who joined us this year. Hopefully many will be able to join us next year and be part of the preparation in the weeks before the play to get an even greater participation in the Re-enactment of Our Lord's Passion!