Lenoir City Hispanic congregation holds ‘Stations of the Cross’ service

LENOIR CITY-Laura Halm-(WATE) – Many churches in East Tennessee held somber services on Friday to mark Good Friday. One congregation in Lenoir City worshiped in a unique way, performing the “Stations of the Cross” service, where the journey of Jesus Christ is acted out leading up to Easter.

It was the first time Hispanic parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church performed the service and they had been working about four months on it. From scripture to songs, the service was all in Spanish.

“I think the fact that everybody is able to walk in the way of Christ and be able to physically participate in it, it’s something different than just watching it on television or reading a book,” said Father Doug Owens.

“This is nothing compared to what I’m sure He went through,” said Roberto Cortes, playing the role of Jesus.

Other parishioners, like Cortes, were able to play a part. “I feel unworthy to play this role and I guess that’s the main reason why I feel nervous,” he said. Walking in these steps has done one thing for Cortes already, “This has strengthened my faith a lot, a lot more.”