Real spiritual impact
Missionaries of the Poor hopes to draw people to the faith through annual re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ
Published:Saturday | April 19, 2025 | 12:09 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
Under the blazing midday sun, a crowd of devout Christians gathered on the streets of Kingston to take part in a moving re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ – a cherished tradition held each year on Good Friday.
This solemn procession, deeply rooted in Catholic faith, vividly brings to life the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus that occurred some 2,000 years ago on Calvary.
On Good Friday, Christians commemorate the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. Condemned, beaten, and nailed to a cross, He bore the weight of the sins of the world with love and forgiveness.
For many, His death symbolised not the end, but the beginning of hope that He would rise again on Easter morning. As such, every Good Friday, members of Father Ho Lung’s Missionaries of the Poor walk through downtown Kingston re-enacting that fateful day centuries ago.
“This event, we usually have it every year to commemorate the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Brother Ronell Katigbak, one of the organisers, told The Gleaner yesterday.
At approximately noon, the procession began with the First Station: Jesus is condemned to death. From there, participants journeyed through the 14 Stations of the Cross – each marked by prayer, hymns, and quiet reflection. The re-enactment depicts Jesus’ final hours – carrying the cross, His three falls, the compassion of those who helped Him, and ultimately His crucifixion and burial.
“For me, personally, the 12th Station, when Jesus is raised upon the cross and dies, is the most moving part,” said Brother Katigbak.
“It touches the heart deeply every single time. But it doesn’t end there. He rose again after the third day. That’s the beauty of our faith.”
‘KNOW THE LORD MORE DEEPLY’
Brother Katigbak explained that the purpose of the annual event goes far beyond ritual.
“People come to know the Lord first and foremost,” he said. “They come to know the Lord more deeply, the passion of Jesus. So, they come around to our chapel … where we have our worship every Sunday.”
The annual event often brings new faces to the chapels where the missionaries worship, as well as inspires community participation in prison ministry and other outreach efforts.
“This simple re-enactment, this walk, has real spiritual impact. We see grace flowing from it,” Brother Katigbak added.
“As missionaries, many of whom come from outside Jamaica, the brothers see this ministry as a calling and a source of deep personal fulfilment. That’s the purpose of our lives, bringing people to Christ and serving the poor.”
He continued, “We’re just hoping that many more will come closer to Christ. And people will go to church. A lot of people don’t go to church. So, we are trying … that’s our goal. It’s really to bring them over to Christ.”
When asked if he feels fulfilled by the experience, Brother Katigbak answered without hesitation.
“Of course, yeah. That’s the meaning of our life. Most of the brothers here, the ones in the truck you are seeing now, none of them are Jamaicans. And they find fulfilment and happiness in witnessing to the life of Christ and serving the poor,” he declared.
Looking ahead, Brother Katigbak hopes that this year’s re-enactment will inspire even more conversions of heart.
“That’s all we desire,” he said, “to bring them closer to Christ.”