Saint Thomas High School observes stations of the cross
Over six hundred students of Saint Thomas High School in Lautoka participated in the stations of the cross on Thursday to commemorate Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
School religious education co-ordinator Makelesi Mawi said there were 14 stations placed within the school grounds where students walked to each station and conducted readings, prayers and sang a new hymn when they reached a new station. “Right now in the country, all parishes are having their stations of the cross. We did ours yesterday (Thursday). A majority of the students are non-Catholics but everybody took part,” she said
“So each form or year is given a station and each station has a different scene happening there, all different stations have plaque cards showing pictures of what happened to Jesus on his way to Calvary for his crucifixion,” she said.
She said as the group moved along, it eventually grew with more students joining at each station.
“By the time they reached the thirteenth station the whole school was moving except for the Year 13 dents,” she said.
Ms Mawi said some Catholic students would have participated in the Good Friday walk held at their respective parishes yesterday.
School principal Aiyaz Ali said he felt blessed to have participated in the school’s Easter celebration as acceptance and appreciation of other religious beliefs and ideas were instilled in the school’s students.
“Saint Thomas High School is a Catholic school but we create awareness of all other festivals as well, even though it may not be in a big way,” he said.
He also said the school was founded on the values of respect, faithfulness, tolerance, harmony and love to name a few.
“Every festival and religious practice is important and must continue. Celebrating these with our children itself teaches them the principles of religion,” he said.
“Also, apart from the religious significance, it encourages the young minds to not forget their roots while moving forward in this fast changing world.” stu