WILMINGTON — Children from New Castle County and nearby locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland are invited to participate in the 2012 version of the Via Crucis, the annual presentation of Jesus’ passion and death at St. Anthony of Padua Church.
The tradition of Via Crucis (“Way of the Cross”) goes back more than 50 years. It is done in pantomime, accompanied by narration and choir music. The cast is composed entirely of high school and elementary school children.
Those who would like to participate should sign up on Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony’s, located at Ninth and Dupont streets. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or other adult. It is open to students in any public, private or parochial school, and they need not be Catholic “because Via Crucis is relative to all Christians,” according to St. Anthony’s.
There are no lines to memorize, and everyone is assured a role. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday afternoons until the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Via Crucis is presented at 7:30 on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday. The presentation lasts an hour.
