OMK Boawae Stages Crucifixion Tableau of Jesus with Message of Peace Against War
Thousands of Catholics in St Francis Xavier Boawae Parish, Nagekeo Regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, took part in the Way of the Cross ritual or Tableau to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday (3/4). A group of Catholic Youth (OMK) staged this Tableau or Drama of Jesus’s Way of the Cross in 14 stations or stops, carrying messages against war and for peace for the entire world.
Wars raging in the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world moved the OMK in St Francis Xavier Boawae Parish to create this commemoration of Jesus’s Way of the Cross at Pancasila Field in Boawae.
“We see on social media about wars and children and women who are usually the most affected; through this Way of the Cross, we bring a message of peace against war,” said Felix Dhay Wea, Chairman of the OMK of St Francis Xavier Boawae Parish.
Unlike previous years, this year’s Tableau or drama of Jesus’s crucifixion was attended by thousands of faithful who could watch from the sidelines of the field.
The drama of Jesus’s crucifixion or Tableau was performed by several young people taking roles as Jesus the Saviour and peacemaker full of love, and the cruel executioners or soldiers, as well as the mothers including Mary, the mother of Jesus, who wept bitterly.
The Tableau began with the scene of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane until he was handed over to King Pilate. The young people performed the Tableau with full devotion, making the attending faithful feel the sorrow from the suffering endured by Jesus.
The soldiers’ costumes were made from collected second-hand items by the OMK since a month ago. They then designed and created images or posters like pictures of tanks with crosses or anti-tank signs, AK47 weapons with crosses, and missile images with crosses. “We used second-hand items so they could be used like these soldiers’ uniforms,” said Cilo, one of the designers and mentors for the OMK.
Several faithful from parents to children were seen following the Tableau with full reverence, even though it lasted more than three hours starting from 9 a.m. The drama of Jesus’s crucifixion included moments of the women and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, weeping at the foot of Jesus’s cross.
The drama carried the message that as a result of war, vulnerable groups like women and children are the most affected. “This year’s Tableau raises the theme that those who live by the sword will die by the sword,” said Felix.
According to Felix, violence will not give birth to truth. The source of war conflicts is not from outside but from within. That is human lust and ambition.
After following the Way of the Cross, the faithful of St Francis Xavier Boawae Parish will attend the Good Friday Mass with the rite of kissing the cross at 3 p.m. local time.
The faithful will also observe Holy Week in the three holy days starting from Maundy Thursday last night, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday tomorrow, culminating in Easter Sunday to commemorate Jesus’s resurrection after his death on the cross today.