Via Lucis shines ‘light’ on Christ in Bogalusa

By Christine Bordelon
Clarion Herald

Most Catholics probably are familiar with the Stations of the Cross that are prayed during Lent. But, many may not know there is also the “Way of Light” or Via Lucis that traces 14 of Jesus’ steps after his resurrection to Pentecost as recorded in the New Testament.
Father Angel Diaz-Perez recently celebrated the 14-station Via Lucis in English for his parishioners at Annunciation Church in Bogalusa.

He had previously introduced this devotion to Spanish-speaking Catholics at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette and also at St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs.


“I think the Stations of the Light, like a rosary, is biblical,” he said. “After every Our Father, the most important events in the life of Jesus and the resurrected Lord are mentioned.”

At Annunciation, his first pastorate, it was the first time Father Diaz  performed the Via Lucis in English. He originally came to the Archdiocese of New Orleans to minister to Hispanics.

“When I came to Bogalusa, the community didn’t know this, so I thought about introducing the Stations of the Light to the people,” he said. His idea was approved by the parish liturgy committee.

Via Lucis history
Father Diaz, a priest for 27 years – first as a Dominican, then as a diocesan priest for the archdiocese, initially experienced the Via Lucis in his native Puerto Rico. It came simultaneously when Catholics were asking him about something more joyful for Sundays during the season of Easter after having experienced Jesus’ suffering and dying in the Stations of the Cross.

“I was able to say, ‘yes,’ there are the Stations of Light,” he said. “During Lent, people celebrated the Stations of the Cross, but when it came Easter season, people celebrated more with Easter eggs. (This devotion) was something people could have for Easter Sundays … something different, new and proper for the time of the activity of the risen Lord.”

He discovered it was started by the Salesians in the late 1980s and blessed in 1994 in Turin, Italy, where the founder of the Salesians – St. John Bosco – was born. It was embraced and promoted by St. John Paul II and became popular after the Vatican’s Jubilee Year at the turn of the 21st century.

“Through the Stations of Light, people remember every minute when the risen Lord interacted with his disciples,” Father Diaz said. “Some people make it around the Holy Spirit at Pentecost,” he said.

The final station of light recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit. Other stations recount Mary Magdalen telling the apostles about the empty  tomb; Jesus’ appearance to disciples on the road to Emmaus; his ascension into heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The 14 Stations of Light include:
➤ Jesus rises from the dead (Matthew 28:5-6);
➤ The women discover the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-6);
➤ The risen Lord appears to Mary Magdalen (John 20:11-16);
➤ Mary Magdalen proclaims the resurrection to the apostles (John 20:17-18);
➤ The risen Lord appears on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-16, 25-27;
➤ The risen Lord is recognized in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24: 28-32);
➤ The risen Lord appears to the disciples (Luke 24:36-39);
➤ The risen Lord gives the disciples power to forgive (John 20:21-23);
➤ The risen Lord strengthens the faith of Thomas (John 20:24-29);
➤ The risen Lord forgives Peter and entrusts him to feed his sheep (John 21:15-17);
➤ The risen Lord sends the disciples into the world (Matthew 28:16-20);
➤ The risen Lord ascends into heaven (Acts 1:9-11);
➤ Mary and the disciples keep vigil in the upper room (Acts 1:12-14);
➤ The risen Lord sends the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1).

30 participants
He said the Via Lucis is celebrated differently all over the world. When he came to America, he learned only Spanish-speakers were familiar with the practice.


At Annunciation, the Paschal candle was used by an acolyte to light the first of the 14 candles – one for each station. Candles symbolize resurrection, Father Diaz said. Leaders of each station placed the lit candle in a candelabra, followed by a Gospel reading, a reflection, a moment of silence and then a prayer.

To create a solemn atmosphere for the hour-long procession, the choir sang “Alleluia” at the entrance and exit. Deacon Ed Kelley and lay liturgical coordinators and parishioners were among the  30 participants.

“They liked it,” Father Diaz said.

​​“It was really different from what I have experienced before,” said Mary Donahue, parish organist/music director and liturgy committee member. “I felt like I was participating in something that came from the early church – being able to take part in a procession into the church. … It was a moving experience.”

Father Diaz encouraged his parishioners to celebrate the devotion again, “in order that they are engaged with the Stations of Light,” he said. “I’d love to do it every year.”

Donahue also hopes other parishes take on the devotion.

“It’s a counterpart to the Way of the Cross,” Donahue said. “I’m hoping more parishes will celebrate this in the Easter season, which is the time we are in the season of light and resurrection and that continues into the season of Pentecost. In these times, there is so much darkness, and we need to have light in our lives.”

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