Good Friday drama plays out in Palatine, Arlington Hts.
Martha Soto finished her first performance as Mary, Jesus's mother, emotionally drained and in tears.
But the Des Plaines woman was pleased to have been a part of the annual Good Friday presentation of the Stations of the Cross, done in dramatic fashion each year by Mision San Juan Diego in Arlington Heights.
"It's something very beautiful for me," Soto said through tears after the conclusion of the two-hour procession that started on the steps of St. Thomas of Villanova School in Palatine and ended at Mission de San Juan Diego in Arlington Heights.
Nearly 1,000 parishioners from Mision San Juan Diego and its predecessor, St. Teresita, followed the procession and watched as more than 100 actors re-enacted the trial of Jesus by the Sanhedrin, all in Spanish.
The traditional march through the streets of the suburbs is a deeply-felt tradition for many Hispanic Catholics.
"It's a part of being Catholic," said Director Daniel Reyes. "We reflect on how much Jesus suffered today, and it is beautiful."
Ruben Callajo of Palatine played Jesus for the second year in a row. He wore a real crown of thorns and legitimately struggled with a 100-pound wooden cross upon his back, as he was struck again and again by the Roman soldiers.
Callajo said for him, the role is much more than just playing a part.
"This really happened," he said. "Maybe I can make a difference about people's perspectives and bring them into the church."
Costume directors and actors have been preparing for months. Friday's presentation went smoothly and drew a large crowd, thanks to clear weather.
Music Director Rob Martinez Jr. said it was inspiring to see how many young people participated this year.
"This shows them that faith is dynamic. It's not just a text thing, but a living thing," Martinez said. "It's a hands-on, moving experience."
The emotional day was the perfect way to kick off Holy Weekend leading up to Easter on Sunday, attendees said.
"It's so filling," said Gustavo Paque of Barrington, who attends every year. "It makes our faith stronger to see how it all happened."