The eighth grade students of the Ave Maria Academy offered a superb performance, re-enacting the events leading to the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Photo Courtesy of Nicholas Barranco.
A standing-room-only crowd filled the auditorium of the Ave Maria Catholic Academy for the presentation of the Passion Play held at the parish of Our Lady of Grace on the evening of Good Friday.
The event is organized and produced each year by Dr. Jerry Antonino, who has organized and directed it for the last six years.
Eighth-grade students from the school make up the cast and parents from the school and the parish volunteer to help build the sets and prepare for the production. Several weeks of building sets and rehearsal precede the actual production held on Good Friday.
But absolutely worthy of more space than this newspaper could ever give were for the musical performances throughout the event. For those who don’t believe in angels there was more than enough evidence that angelic voices do exist. A classically based dance presentation was also included.
Four of Our Lady of Grace’s young parishioners, Gabriella Antonino, and the
(L to R) Gabriella Antonino, Rachael Connolly, Joanna Connolly and Shannon Connolly offered vocal and instrumental performances described by audience members as “simply breathtaking.” Photo Courtesy of Nicholas Barranco.
Connolly sisters, Rachael, Joanna and Shannon delivered vocal performances throughout the production, studded with harmonies and instrumental accompaniment that sent waves of chills through the audience.
Joining the girls at guitar, keyboard and vocals was the Connolly’s dad Gerard and uncle Stephen who handle the musical direction and production every year. This year, violins were added to the performance and played by Joanna and Shannon Connolly.
The play was followed by veneration of the cross by hundreds of the faithful. Father Tony Ricucando blessed and praised all those present especially those who worked so hard to make the evening as spiritual and moving as it was. “Tonight we are especially blessed to be part of such a wonderful experience on such a momentous night in our faith.”
Publishers note: Both the Connolly and the Antonino families are pillars of the Our Lady of Grace parish . The community of faith at Our Lady of Grace is blessed by the example they have set personally and through their children. To Gabriella, Rachael, Joanna and Shannon I would like to say a special thank you for sharing the precious gifts you were given with me and all those present. You are all to be cherished. I have not attended the Passion Play at OLG in the past. I will not miss it in the future.
