A Love Story on Stage
On the morning of Friday, April 11, 2025, the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish complex in Cijantung began to buzz with activity. One by one, young people arrived—not for Mass, nor for choir practice, but for something truly special: the performance of the Musical Passion Play of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
They came with excitement in their hearts—a blend of nerves and enthusiasm. After more than four months of intensive rehearsals, this was the moment they had all been waiting for. The performance was not scheduled for the weekend or even Good Friday, but rather the Friday before Holy Week. This deliberate decision was made to allow the music to shine and to offer the faithful a moment of reflection before entering the most sacred week of the Catholic faith.
Most of the performers were high school students who had even requested permission from the school to fully dedicate themselves to the performance that day. Their preparation was not only physical but spiritual. Two nights before the show, on Wednesday evening, the entire cast gathered for a prayer service led by Fr. Willy—a quiet and moving moment to unite their hearts before stepping onto the stage.
As evening approached, the congregation began to arrive. The Algonz Parish Church slowly filled. The 700-seat capacity was soon occupied by those eager to witness not just a show, but a proclamation of faith through art.
Musicians, singers, and actors stood ready. Before the “curtain” was drawn, they prayed together and received a blessing from the Parish Priest, Fr. Roby Ndajang. In his remarks, Fr. Roby expressed deep appreciation for the young people who had taken this remarkable initiative. “May this performance become a path for the youth and the faithful to deepen their faith,” he said.
Then, the lights dimmed. Music filled the air. Prayer, movement, and song blended together to bring the Passion of Christ to life on stage. For ninety minutes, the atmosphere in the church transformed into a sacred space for reflection. Each scene, each lyric, every gesture drew the audience deeper into the mystery of God’s love. They were not just spectators, but participants in a timeless love story.
Behind the scenes was a key figure: Bonaventura Damanik, affectionately known as Beben, the director. Under his guidance, the narrative was woven together, and each actor found their role and voice.
At the end of the performance, Fr. Willy took the stage to lead the closing prayer and final blessing. Before ending the night, he offered a reflection:
“What we witnessed tonight is more than a performance. It is a proclamation of faith—a living love story, conveyed through music, words, and movement. Christ is not only present on stage but in our daily lives. Let us go forth with hearts set ablaze by His love and live as true witnesses of love in the world.”
That night, the musical came to an end—but the story did not. Everyone who attended brought something home—be it tears, hope, or a renewed calling to follow Christ more closely.
And in that, the drama truly lives on.
Congratulations.
Copiosa Apud Eum Redemptio
Fr. Willy Ng Pala, CSsR.
