In the quiet of a Lowcountry morning, students, faculty, and a few parents gathered in the sacred outdoors of the Stations of the Cross at John Paul II Catholic School. Students in Señora Sarah Litchfield’s Honors Spanish III class led a reverent and moving presentation of Las Estaciones de la Cruz—the Stations of the Cross in Spanish.

Held prior to the most holy season for Catholics—Easter—this presentation offered a meaningful way for students to reflect on the Passion of Christ and share that reflection with others in the school community.

For the past few weeks, Señora Litchfield has been guiding all of her Spanish students through a deeper understanding of La Cuaresma, the Spanish word for Lent. This Lenten project was a culmination of not only language learning, but also an intentional blending of faith, culture, and public speaking.

“In an effort to combine our Catholic identity with the learning of the Spanish language and culture in other countries, the Honors Spanish III class was tasked with presenting the Stations of the Cross,” explained Mrs. Litchfield. “Each student translated their own reflection for each station and found artwork to accompany their station. They practiced each station and prayers together as a group!”

During the presentation, students took on a station, offering a prayerful reflection entirely in Spanish. Alongside the spoken words, images of sacred art were displayed, enriching the moment and helping those present to meditate more deeply on Christ’s journey to Calvary.

“I was incredibly proud of their efforts to combine not just public speaking, but public speaking in a foreign language,” said Mrs. Litchfield. “As well as representing this Lenten tradition of our Catholic faith. At first, the students were very nervous about the assignment. In the end, they were proud of their efforts and how they came together as a class to present Las Estaciones de la Cruz.  What pleased me the most were the students outside of the Honors Spanish III class, many of which have been a part of the Language Department at JPII, all joined together praying aloud the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be in Spanish.”

This unique integration of language and liturgy not only deepened the students’ faith experience but also served as a beautiful reminder of the universality of the Catholic Church, whose prayers and traditions are spoken and cherished across every language and culture—especially during this sacred Easter season.