Saint Mary Mokena will present the locally acclaimed “Seven Last Words of Christ” performance on Friday, March 23rd at 7 pm. The spectacle is both a theatrical and musical portrayal of the Passion of Christ, which includes a 50-member choir, soloists and live orchestra, as well as more than 50 actors dressed in authentic biblical costumes and makeup.
Beginning with the Agony in the Garden and progressing through Christ’s Passion and death, “Seven Last Words,” contains no dialogue. Instead, the narration is sung by the choir and soloists, set to the music of Theodore Dubois, J. S. Bach and others. The performance will take place in the main church (the Blessed Sacrament will be removed and a stage will be set in the sanctuary).
“The Seven Last Words of Christ performance was originally created by Little Flowers Troupe to help people meditate on Christ’s Passion and to show them how much Jesus suffered for us,” says Anna Pacek, Director of Sacred Music at St. Mary Mokena. “It is a beautiful Lenten experience and meditation.”
This is the tenth year and fourteenth performance of “The ‘Seven Last Words’ of Christ.” It has been presented at numerous venues, including St. Jude in New Lenox, Nativity BVM in Chicago, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palos Heights, St. Michael in Wheaton, among others.
Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, $15 for children 12 and under, and are free for clergy & children under 4. They can be purchased in the church narthex or online.
“The ‘Seven Last Words’ is beautiful, moving and memorable, perfect for setting the tone for Lent and getting our minds focused on what Jesus went through to save us,” says Cookie Halaby, Christian Service Director at St. Mary Mokena, who has seen the production twice in the past. “The orchestra and singing are excellent, and the visual effect of the actors is emotional. I would highly recommend attending the performance here at St. Mary.”
Although passion plays are put on by other parishes and organizations, Director of Sacred Music Pacek calls the performance truly unique. “There are few or possibly no others that have a live choir, soloists and orchestra telling the story of Christ’s Passion while actors silently do the same,” she explains. “It is also put on by devout Christians who truly love God and who want to bring that love to others through the greatest love story of all.”
For more information about “The Seven Last Words of Christ” and to order tickets, please visit https://www.danseintegro.com/tickets
Media contact
Tony Bara
E tbara618@gmail.com
The Mokena Marian 