Wagga’s Filipino community has hosted its second re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross with actors from Pro Patria. Photo: Jenny Hodges.
Members of Wagga’s Filipino Catholic community have held a re-enactment of the Catholic devotion, Stations of the Cross, outside of St Michael’s Cathedral.
The Stations of the Cross is a visual retelling of the final day of Jesus Christ. It is made up of 14 images, portraits, stills or performances that depict the stops Jesus makes, from being convicted to his crucifixion.
This year’s re-enactment was only the second by the Filipino community, but it saw a large increase in attendance and viewers, thanks in part to the support of the veterans’ advocacy group Pro Patria Centre.
“Some people may not know, but the Philippines has a large Christian community,” St Michael’s church member Jenny Hodges said.
“For us, Easter is less about eggs and more about reflecting and celebrating the death of Jesus. Last year, we noticed there wasn’t a huge representation of Jesus, so we decided to put on a re-enactment of the famous Stations of the Cross.
“We asked the bishop if we could use the cathedral for the re-enactment.
“Last year a few people stopped and had a look to see what was going on, but this year, we had some personnel from Pro Patria ask if they could join in and help make it even bigger.”
Ms Hodges said she was so proud to see the attendance double from last year’s re-enactment and hoped to see it even bigger in 2026. Photo: Jenny Hodges.
With the support of Pro Patria, the audience for this year’s event doubled, with the organisers hoping to make it even bigger in 2026.
“Pro Patria came to us and said the event will be a very good thing for some of the veterans to be a part of,” Ms Hodges said.
“They became a part of the re-enactment and dressed up as soldiers and other people in the different stations.
“It really was an amazing group effort. To have our priest, Father Peter Murphy, do the readings and Pro Patria, giving 110 per cent, it really was something to be proud of.
“It is always fun to have Easter eggs and chocolate, but we think it’s important for younger generations to remember what Easter is about, and we’re so excited to show this story.
“Considering that we started very, very small, just for the Filipino community wanting to reflect, we’re proud of the collaborative effort we’ve put on and hope to make it even bigger next year.”
