CHAPEL HILL -- Although they know they can't do the same work or suffer as Jesus did, two sisters still felt the symbolism of the Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday.

Nadine Distasio, 35, and her sister, Gina Beau, 43, both living in Pittsboro, participated in the procession outside St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Beau joins in every year. This was the first year Distasio could get off work and attend the noontime service.

The Stations of the Cross is a centuries-old tradition representing "Jesus carrying the cross, going from his condemnation to his crucifixion," explained Andrew Casad, director of liturgy and catechumens at St. Thomas More, located at 940 Carmichael St.


THE STATIONS

As they do every year, processioners started inside the cavernous sanctuary Friday, reading aloud from the church's "Everyone's Way of the Cross" by Clarence Enzler.

They proceeded outside and down the driveway, stopping at spots to read a passage from the booklet connected to the respective station. The group of about 200 continued down Fern Lane before looping back to the church's sanctuary.

People in the procession took turns carrying a large wooden cross and holding up tablets depicting the different stations.

The 14 stations represent the 14 stages of Jesus' suffering, or passion, the day of his death:

1. Jesus is condemned to death

2. Jesus is made to bear his cross

3. Jesus falls the first time

4. Jesus meets his mother

5. Simon carries Jesus' cross

6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face

7. Jesus falls the second time

8. Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem

9. Jesus falls a third time

10. Jesus is stripped of his garments

11. Jesus is nailed to the cross

12. Jesus dies on the cross

13. Jesus is taken down from the cross

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb


GOOD FRIDAY

Thursday evening, or Holy Thursday, through Easter Sunday mark the end of Lent, a 40-day period for Christians that begins on Ash Wednesday. It is a time for penance, discipline and reflection. The 40 days represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and praying. Good Friday marks the day Jesus was condemned and crucified. Easter Sunday marks the day of Jesus' resurrection.

Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday "make up the entire centerpiece of our worship in the Catholic Church," Casad said. "It's a way for people to also connect to the passion and death of Christ."


WHAT IT MEANS TODAY

This year was Dario Sena's fifth year in the procession. The 74-year-old native of the Philippines joined St. Thomas More church when he moved from Asheboro to Carrboro to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

"This is the time of year that I offer [penance] as a sacrifice to the Lord," he said. "This is a tradition in the Philippines. Holy Week is the holiest part of the year, and we celebrate it sincerely. I brought that tradition all the way here."

Asked what he prays for during Holy Week, he replied that he prays for many things.

"I'm praying for everybody, for a safe world, for my own family, and all those who need help," said Sena, who has been in retirement for 10 years. "The main thing is I pray for my own salvation, and my family's salvation."

Distasio and her sister said this time of reflection helps them better understand Jesus' suffering.

"It was a good experience," said Distasio, who had some of her hair pulled back and wore a black, short-sleeve shirt Friday. "It brings it closer to me -- the walking. Of course, it's nothing close to what Jesus had to do, but just the symbolism of it brought it closer."

"I think about how he must've suffered -- what happened to him -- for us," she added. "You read about it all through Lent, and we finally get to do it. It brings it more to the forefront."

Her sister said the procession helps her feel a link to Jesus' experiences.

"It makes the connection of your actual life and the Biblical aspect of it and Jesus' life -- how his teachings and his work, how they actually apply today," Beau said. "How we can't do Jesus' work the same way he did, but how we can do it in our own way today."