We began the Lenten Season on Wednesday, February 6, commonly known as Ash Wednesday. So, for 40 days and 40 nights until Sunset on Saturday, March 22, we have a period of reflection and sacrifice. Roman Catholics use these days to better understand their relationship with the Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ.

At this time of reflection and sacrifice we are called to remember the birth of Jesus and remember those important lessons he taught while traveling across the Holy Land. The Holy Trinity, God the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit, which on Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the key foundation of Christian belief. The promise made to us by Jesus, which after his death He would return to the disciples before entering the Kingdom of Heaven, is what makes Christianity possible.

Over the two and a half years since becoming the Editor of La Voce Publishing Co., I have used my Letter from the Editor column to spread awareness of the Italian-American community. But during the holiday season of Christmas and Easter I have never been shy to talk about my belief, love and commitment to the Lord. So, this March issue is not different.

For my column this Lenten Season I want to talk about the performances that the youth group at St. Peter’s Apostolic Roman Catholic Church is putting on. The teens of this church are putting on a play called “The Passion Play.” The teen organization called “Life Teen” helps bring teenagers closer to the Eucharist.

Now for many years the program has struggled to get cooperation from students and their parents, but with a group of “CORE Team” (young adults) there is a sense of family and a renewed sense of character in the youth group. These wonderful teenagers are going to be portraying the last moments of Jesus’ life. The play starts off after His scourging by the Roman soldiers. The whipping that took place of Jesus left him badly beaten, and afterwards people still called for His life to be sacrificed. Jesus is led through the town of Jerusalem to Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull).

The play will be performed around the property of St. Peter’s Church located at 204 S. Boulder Hwy., in Henderson, NV. The actors along with the parishioners and any people interested in seeing the performance will walk the grounds of the church to reenact the final moment and footsteps taken by Jesus.

All La Voce readers are welcome to attend the free performances that will be held on Friday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 19, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Italian Culture Event

The Sahara West Library located at 9600 W. Sahara Ave. is holding a cultural event to celebrate the Italian and Italian-American people. It is open to the public on Saturday, March 29, starting at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about this event being sponsored by the Las Vegas Clark County Library District you can call 507-3631 and ask for Marcela Chiarandini, Scheduling Specialist.

Booths will be set up inside and outside of the library for people to learn more about the beautiful and sometimes overlooked Italian traditions. Food will be provided by Nora’s Italian Cuisine, entertainment headliners will be Tony Sacca, Frank Valeriani, and classic Italian songs will be performed by Marcela.

The art décor will be done by Ricardo Chiarandini, while face painting and other children’s activities will be held. So, bring the family out and enjoy.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, there are plenty of spaces available, and it is free.