‘No Greater Love’: Christ’s passion brought to life
By Josh Low
The Passion of Christ was brought to life with the recent Archdiocesan Passion Play ‘No Greater Love’, held at the Don Bosco Creative Arts Centre in Glenorchy on Friday 28 March.
The theatrical production is the first of its kind in the Archdiocese on such a large scale, with the cast and crew involved coming from multiple parishes.
Running for approximately one hour, ‘No Greater Love’ depicts of the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar and the Crucifixion, among other episodes from the Gospels.
Music was performed by a choir between scenes, with light and smoke also used to enhance the atmosphere and set the mood.
Archdiocesan Vicar General, Fr Shammi Perera, who wrote and directed the play, expressed his gratitude for all involved in the production.
“I’m truly grateful for each one of them. They have given their one hundred percent for the Lord right from the day they said yes to this task,” he said.
“This wasn’t simply a theatrical performance – right from the beginning I told the cast and crew that this production was a spiritual journey that we would undertake, and it has been that.
“We encountered the Lord in powerful ways, right throughout the training sessions and practices.
“The Passion, death and Resurrection is the most immense story of God’s love for us, and to be a part of that with these wonderful people was a real blessing to me,” he said.
Gabriel MacFarlane, who plays Jesus in ‘No Greater Love’ said the Passion of Christ has always held deep meaning for him, adding that playing the role of Jesus is a privilege and an honour.
He added that as he has become older, he has come to realise that the power and grace in his life, the ability to experience transformation in faith and love, all come from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“It is the pinnacle of God’s love story for us, as a collective, and for me individually. Christ was there for me, and the Easter story is about Christ coming to save me.
“I’d like to suggest that it’s the same for everybody reading this message; the Easter story is about Christ coming to save you.”
Having just completed a year of full-time Mission with Youth Mission Team Australia, Gabriel said that experience was valuable in helping him be able to prepare adequately for this role.
“I spent time fasting and meditating on the Passion of the Lord, and in all His stillness, beauty, and strength, Christ was giving of himself and empowering me to perform to the best of my abilities.
“I hope the audience, God willing, will take away an idea of the extent God went to save them and to be in a relationship with them, an experience of His love, and an openness to the Spirit to touch their Hearts, and encounter God’s deep love for them.”
A second performance of ‘No Greater Love’ will be held at the Don Bosco Creative Arts Centre on Friday 11 April.
