Local News
Brazilian Catholics Vividly Bring Crucifixion To Life
Published: April 28, 2011
ATLANTA—The Brazilian Catholic community conducted its fifth annual outdoor depiction of the Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 22, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Sandy Springs.
The Good Friday service, led by Father Roger do Carmo Araujo, parochial vicar at St. Jude, along with Jesuit Father Edd Salazar, began inside the church. Once Jesus was condemned and took up his cross, the congregation and all the players moved outside.
“Our intent is to get the message of Jesus’ Passion, death and resurrection across to the people,” said Leal Araujo, who has portrayed Jesus the last five years. “If just one person is touched, I am glad. I hope it imparts change to the lives of people.”
During the Easter Vigil service the next day, on Holy Saturday at Holy Family Church, Marietta, the community concluded with the 15th Station, the Resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus, played by 34-year-old Leal Araujo, falls for the first time. (Photos by Michael Alexander)
After Jesus is stripped of his garments, he is dragged to the wood and nailed to the cross.
Jesus hangs from the wooden cross on Calvary.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, played by Angela Machado, stands at the foot of the cross as her son dies a slow, painful death in agony.
After Jesus is taken down from the cross, his mother Mary, accompanied by Joseph of Arimathea, played by Handel Castro, holds her son in the aftermath of his death.
