It was an ordinary day. Reading about a young man named Diego Segura who is a 15-year-old student at Manheim Township High School, who will step into a role of a lifetime when he portrays Jesus. Seems that Diego will participate in the Good Friday reenactment of the "Way of the Cross" procession on Good Friday. Diego will carry the cross through the city of Lancaster on Good Friday, the most solemn day of the Christian calendar. Segura is portraying Jesus in San Juan Bautista Catholic Church's annual Way of the Cross procession on Friday. It is his first time playing Jesus and he said that "I've been reading the Bible and praying more throughout the day. I want to strengthen my faith and my beliefs in the process." Diego says he feels honored to have been chosen for the role. "It's not an opportunity many people get in their lives, so I hope to inspire other people, especially those who are my age, to come closer to God, see his true glory and appreciate everything he has done for us." The 40th annual Good Friday event begins at noon when it departs from the parking lot at 425 S. Duke Street and makes six stops over a 20-block area in the city's southeast. A reflection of the Seven Last Words will be held at 7 p.m. at the church. Lancaster community is invited to keep and maintain our Christian roots on Good Friday during the live Via Crucis, the Rev. Luis R. Rodriguez said. "The event is an expession of gratitude to God for the sacrifice of Jesus. It is Hispanic faith and culture that we are committed to maintaining and celebrating with solemnity." Organizer Glenda Torres said the focus of the procession is to help people strengthen their faith. "This is a call to the community. We want to help bring people closer to God and straighten their faith. For the young people who are involved in it, this will be their testimony to the community," Torres said. 16-year-old Lancaster Catholic High School student Kimberly Rojas will play the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She wasn't so sure she could do it since she is very timid, but part of her felt she could not reject this opportunity. Morelia Salazar, 15, will portray Mary Magdalene, and hopes that Jesus' sacrifice of forgiveness truly opens the spectators' hearts and minds. "Especially if they don't know or have stepped away from God. I hope That it touches them in a positive way." the Hempfield High School student said. About 50 volunteers, which includes the cast, wardrobe assistants and choir will be part of the procession. Torres says that they have been super blessed. They just want to share their faith and tell everyone that they are here with open doors to receive them. Pontius Pilate, who is portrayed by José Iguana, made the decision to hand Jesus over to death without considering how it would affect the lives of other people. From this we can learn how our decisions can affect the lives of other people. Sal Dupree Vázquez, Angélica León, Rosalee Ortiz, Nieves Hernández, Carmen Corniel, Otilia Garza and Roberto López Adrián will read the mediations at every stop along the procession route. Vocalist Karen Rodríguez will direct the music. I'm sure the presentation will be remarkable and moving. All these amateur actors and actresses will surely bring life to the presentation of Good Friday. About 50 volunteers, most ages 6 thru 50, will be a part of the procession. Easter in Lancaster will certainly come to life this year. Thank You to all who will take a part in this remarkable Easter presentation. PS - If you chose to go, you can find much of the presentation of Good Friday at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church at 425 S. Duke Street in Lancaster, PA. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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