STERLING—A large group of volunteers from the Sterling and Rock Falls area, along with Newman Central Catholic High School students, are making final preparations for their presentation “The Mystery of the Passion of Christ.”

The stage production depicts the final days of the life of Jesus Christ. The drama is based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and was written by Father Francis Wawryszuk, who also directs the production.

Father Wawryszuk is the pastor of St. Catherine Parish in Prophetstown and St. Ambrose Parish in Erie.

He first presented the play in 1995 while serving a parish in Saskatchewan, Canada, and has since presented the play multiple times in South Beloit and now in Sterling. The most recent production was in 2010.

There will be three performances, all held at the Centennial Auditorium located in  Sterling High School.

The passion begins with the gathering of Jesus and his disciples to celebrate Passover, which becomes known as the Last Supper, and follows Jesus through the series of events that end with his crucifixion.
Jesus is portrayed by Micha Buyno from Rock Falls. Other local parishioners play the roles of various people who were deeply involved in Christ’s final days.

The production includes traditional hymns sung by the Newman Choir, whose members also act the part of the crowd who help condemn Jesus to death.

The cast hopes that audience members will take away a deeper sense of the true suffering of Christ, so they may celebrate Easter with the awe and joy it truly deserves.