The Way of the Cross is now in its twelfth year. Our pageant over the years has become part of the liturgical life of Desmond College and also of the parish of Newcastle West and surrounding areas.
Our pageant could not happen without the support of our students, teachers, our local clergy and of course the wonderful support we receive from the public. Our re-enactment of Christ’s last journey has brought people from all over west limerick and has done so every year.
We had a grey sky this year as we marched from Calvary graveyard and thankfully the rain held off. As always the sound of the cross being dragged along the ground, the whip being lashed across Christ’s back and the taunting of the Roman soldiers created a most haunting and memorable image for our audience. These powerful images have been seen nationwide through national television, newspapers and radio.
Every year a number of students are individually chosen to play the role of our Roman soldiers. This year these amazing young men showed such great respect and sensitivity and fully understood the importance of role they had to play.
They were a credit to their school and their families and we are very proud of them. Our soldiers this year were led by their captain Seán Walton with Michael Murphy, David O’Donovan, Liam Callanan, Jack Grimes, Ben Montgomery, Jason Ryan, Matthew O’Connor, Thomas Meyenberg, and Kevin Sheehan.
A special mention must be given to Martin McAree and Legion Ireland, the Roman Re-enactment Society of Ireland, Peter Lane of the Order of Desmond Historical Society, Gerry Barrett of St. Kieran’s Heritages Association. A very special thanks goes to Trevor McCarthy who played the part of Jesus in our pageant gave an excellent performance.
We wish to thank Jamie Campbell, Niamh O’Connell, Amy O’Sullivan and Bryan Mortell who stepped in at the last minute again for a second year. We would also like to thank all our readers at the church.
A special mention to our members of staff who were a great help as always – Aisling Ryan, Anne Hannon, Margaret O’Mahony, Maire Corkery, Helen Barry, Aoife Culhane, John English and Claire Sheehan.
Over the last twelve years we have witnessed such wonderful support from our community for Desmond College’s Way of the Cross. We wish to thank all those who followed each procession throughout the year and in all kinds of weather.
We look forward to next year 2018 where we hope to add to our wonderful and excellent WAY OF THE CROSS.