Father Michael Magiera, FSSP, rides a donkey at the head of a Palm Sunday procession by the St. John the Baptist Latin Mass Community en route to Mass at St. Patrick Church in North Little Rock. Arkansas Catholic photo by Dwain Hebda

Jesus (Jesus Garcia) is upset with the vendors in the temple and destroys the booths during an outdoor theatrical presentation at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers on Palm Sunday April 13. Arkansas Catholic photo by Paul Dufford

Priests bless the chrism oil used for ordinations, confirmations and baptisms during the annual Chrism Mass April 14 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. All priests also renewed their priestly commitment. Arkansas Catholic photo by Malea Hargett

Kindergarten and 1st graders at St. Joseph Elementary School in Conway held Easter egg hunts on April 17.

Simon (Andrew DeClerk) carries the cross for Jesus (Noah Findley) as a soldier (Reed Ptomay) watches during a live Stations of the Cross at St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish in Fayetteville April 14. Arkansas Catholic photo by Paul Dufford

Father Mathew Malapati of St. Albert Church in Heber Springs washes the feet on Holy Thursday of several of people who were joining the Church.

Prioress Sister Maria DeAngeli, OSB (left), and subprioress Sister Kimberly Prohaska, OSB, serve trays of meat to sisters and guests at St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith on Holy Thursday before entering into silence for the Triduum. Arkansas Catholic photo by Maryanne Meyerriecks

Father Mark Wood, pastor of St. Theresa Church in Little Rock, washes the feet of Andrew Gangluff on Holy Thursday. Arkansas Catholic photo by Dwain Hebda

A parishioner kisses the cross during Good Friday services at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. The service began with a six-block procession through the neighborhood surrounding the church. Arkansas Catholic photo by Dwain Hebda

Jesus (Tyler Banks) meets his mother (Kenzie Cundall) on the way to Calvary as a Roman guard (Daniel Wendel) looks on. Living Stations of the Cross was presented Good Friday afternoon by Catholic Youth Ministry members of Christ the King Church in Little Rock.
Arkansas Catholic photo by Dwain Hebda

The Easter vigil at St. Joseph Church in Conway begins at dusk with lighting the Easter candle outside. Celebrating the Mass were pastor Father John Marconi and associate pastor Father Joseph Archibong.

Msgr. David LeSieur, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, baptizes Justin Amaya April 19 during the Easter vigil. Assisting are Deacons Arturo Castrejon, Ronnie Hoyt and John Pate. In the background are altar server John Carney and seminarian Michael Davis. Arkansas Catholic photo by Paul Dufford

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Arkansas Catholics celebrate holiest week of the year

Parishioners attend services and special events throughout Diocese of Little Rock

Published: April 24, 2014

Paul Dufford

During a live presentation of the Way of the Cross at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers on Good Friday April 18, a centurion (Roman Benharmea) kneels below the crucified Jesus (Rahael Pantoja) as Mary (Yuly Raygoza) prays at the foot of the cross. The two thieves were played by Victor Lopez (left) and Albaro Albarran (right).

Paul Dufford

Catholics from every corner of the state celebrated Easter with prayer, Mass and special events. Parishes hosted Stations of the Cross, adoration, processions and special meals. The Church in Arkansas also welcomed more than 500 new Catholics, usered in during Easter Vigil Mass.

The photos above capture some of the events from various parishes around the state. To see more or to purchase prints, please click the link below.

SEE MORE PHOTOS related to this story at Arkansas Catholic's Zenfolio page, and order prints if you like. You also can browse other photos taken by Arkansas Catholic photographers.

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