Posted on 07/18/2008 1:58:54 PM PDT by NYer
.- Spectacular scenes were played out across Sydney city’s landmarks, as part of the re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross for WYD.
An audience of half a billion tuned in to watch the performance that involved around 80 performers and was played out by young people at six major venues. Over 270,000 international and local spectators also made their way to points around the city to watch the Stations of the Cross live and on big screen televisions.
The first station held on the steps of St Mary’s Cathedral was attended by Pope Benedict XVI who led the prayer.
“Make us generous and insightful as we try to walk in your footsteps,” the Holy Father prayed.
The Pope then watched the procession on television from St. Mary’s Cathedral Crypt.
The procession moved through the Domain, a large open space in Sydney; the Art Gallery of NSW; and the Sydney Opera House, where the actor playing Jesus, Alfio Stuto 27, received the crown of thorns. At Darling Harbour, the stations were played out on a wharf built across the small bay specifically for the purpose before travelling by ferry to Barangaroo.
A somber and reverent mood permeated the crowds, previously filled with cheering and chanting.
“It is truly a different mood here. Sydney has taken on a somber, more reflective mood,” said Fr Mark Podesta WYD08 spokesman, “The pilgrims are recognizing the gravity of the passion of the Christ.”
Camillus Okane, a 21-year-old university student, was chosen to do play the role of Thomas.
“It was a touching experience, in a special way to see the reactions of the people, some of them were crying, others were praying. It made an impact,” he said.
The director of the Stations of the Cross, Fr Franco Cavarra, has been preparing this presentation since December when a group of young people were chosen to play the roles.
Over 90 wardrobes were created for twenty people, three months prior to the presentation.
The dramatic highlight was the crucifixion of Jesus in a 3.5 meter (11.48 ft.) cross, upon the elevated stage at Barangaroo.
The performance concluded when Jesus’ body was carried from the cross and through the crowd watching at Barangaroo.
“It was a fairly realistic representation of what actually happened,” said Rachel, a local pilgrim from Sydney.
“It felt very solemn,” she continued. “The music was very suitable. Overall, everyone paid a lot of attention to it.”
After the Stations of the Cross performance, Pope Benedict met with a group of disadvantaged youth at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney.
500 million!
Wow.
Amazing!
I wonder if it is going to be replayed this evening. If it is, I am going to watch the whole thing.
BTTT!
Any pictures yet?
I tried to see if there was going to do an evening encore, but instead there was a beautiful dedication of a new marble alter at the main cathedral dedicated. The only encore they were going to have took place yesterday afternoon, when most of us either work or are busy with our everyday lives. I had to go to a doctor’s appointment. I do hope EWTN archieves the who Way of the Cross service online so we can see it anytime.
The only pictures, that is videos I have seen has been bits and pieces of the Station of the Cross via YouTube. I am hoping EWTN will archieve the service in full for those of us who could not see it at the times shown.
Good news for those who missed the live or afternoon encore presentation, EWTN has online the Stations of the Cross posted, both in video and audio formats. God Bless and thank-you EWTN! :)
Like Miss Marple, I had hoped to catch the replay last night; instead, it was the Mass from St. Mary's Cathedral. A neighbor watched it live yesterday and could not stop raving about the excellence of the production. Well, good news for those of us who missed it. Thank you Biggirl for posting this information. Hopefully it is available for purchase; I would like to show it to the older youth in the parish.
Kudos, as you noted, to EWTN and especially to Cardinal Pell who has done an outstanding job of balancing reverence and youthful exuberance. This has to have made a strong impression on the secularist lives of Australians. God bless Mother Angelica, the production team and Cardinal Pell!
I have watched a little over half of the Stations and it is absolutely stunning. To see a major world city shut down for literally hours and see the image Christ walking through the streets is an amazing sight to behold. Would recomend everyone take the time to soak up the blessings of this production.
Thank you for the testimony! I still recall watching it from WYD in Vancouver - 2002. Totally moved to tears! Unfortunately, no recording was ever made available to the public.
Just finished viewing the rest of the Stations and I am just stunned. Have always thought that “art” should reflect and inspire our relationship with God and this presentation does exactly that! Did not think after 54 years my faith could get stronger but it just did. Gotta do more.
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