The “Shadow Passion” will be held 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at 2500 Dudley Ave. in Parkersburg. The Story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection will be presented through images and song during the presentation. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection will be presented through images and song during the “Shadow Passion” presented at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at 2500 Dudley Ave. at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Due to the difficulty of traveling to the Holy Land, Christians who wanted to travel along the path Jesus walked from his sentencing to Mount Calvary could do so in their own towns by viewing pictures of the various events (or stations) along the way and praying as they went, organizers said.

The Stations of the Cross is a centuries-old Christian tradition. To better appreciate the events, portraying them live has been part of the experience of Christians over the centuries and in many countries, they added.

“The Shadow Passion’ is when each Station of the Cross is enacted behind a screen as a strong light is shown behind the people, producing a black silhouette depicting each scene,” said Catherine Wharton, one of the production’s organizers. “We here in Parkersburg have provided a silhouette for each ‘station’ along with musical rendering and prayers.

“All scenes take place in a darkened church, so the effect of the light on those doing the scene are shown as shadows on the large white cloth.”

The four churches joining to bring this presentation together are St. Francis Xavier in Parkersburg, St. Margaret Mary in Parkersburg, St. Michael in Vienna, and St. Monica in Lubeck.

A choir will be performing during the presentation featuring singers from several local parishes coming together for a powerful presentation, said accompanist Kimberly Gilmore of St. Michael Parish.

“The Shadow Passion shines new light on the centuries-old tradition of remembering and honoring Jesus’ passion and death,” she said. “Reflecting on these ‘stations of the cross’ as we approach Good Friday and Easter is time well spent.”

Music is considered a universal language and can speak to hearts in ways that words sometimes cannot, Gilmore said.

“The combination of song with the visual presentation of various moments of the Lord’s way to Calvary, visible only in silhouette, is a powerful reminder that the Easter story is no mere story,” she said. “The experience of the Shadow Passion is one not soon forgotten.”

Terry Hardman of St Margaret Mary Parish commended the young cast for doing a powerful presentation as they portray Jesus, Simon, Mary, the Guards and more.

“The young students who are portraying these roles have worked so hard to pose correctly, hold the cross, and fold their hands in prayer,” Hardman said. “It is a somber event and they take it seriously.

“It is very moving to see the faith of these youth as they portray the message of Good Friday. It is a beautiful sight to see this portrayal.”

The Rev. Abraham Schariah, pastor at St. Margaret Mary Parish, said the cast really makes the production come alive.

“To see youth portraying the biblical characters and hearing the voices of singing in prayer brings the moment to life and strikes my heart,” he said. “My prayer is that those participating and attending the Shadow Passion will be drawn closer to Christ this Easter Season.”

All are welcome to attend.