[RELIGION]

FL MORRIS / STAR-BULLETIN
Leonard Letoto, a retired Army command sergeant major, says
he walks the Stations of the Cross at St. Patrick's Church in Kaimuki
nearly every day during Lent. He says it is a very consuming
way to pray that leaves him refreshed.

Taking part in Lent
gives Easter more
significance

14 Stations of the Cross
trace path of Christ

---

By Mary Adamski
Star-Bulletin

"It helps put our lives in perspective, where we stand with God."

Rick Thompson was talking about Lent, the 40-day period of introspection with which many Christians prepare for the peak festival of the faith, Easter.

He and other members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church met Wednesday to feed body and soul midway in the Lenten journey.

The Soup Supper at the University Avenue church was typical of the combined fellowship and devotions being held in many communities.

The simple meal is modern symbolism for the historical fasting through which Christians demonstrated their repentance for their sins.

"One thinks a lot about what Christ suffered," said Peter Tirbak. "It's a time of year to look back, to make some renewed commitments in your heart."

Thompson said "People today don't like to think about sins; we like to think we're all good."

Sandy Toth said a private time of prayer at home is part of her day.

The church provides a booklet of daily Scriptural readings and devotional prayers but, she said, "Now I get it on the Internet."

"When I was younger, we gave up candy," said Toth, and the tradition still holds, as this week when she went without coffee.

"I live frugally, anyway. But if I have to do without something, I'll say 'well, it's Lent' and let it pass."

Sharon Shinno said, "When you participate in the Lenten journey, then Easter is more meaningful."

The congregants take turns providing elements of the weekly meal: soup, bread and dessert.

Following the meal they gathered in the church, led by Pastor Tom Windsor to reflect on the cross as a life-giving tree.

Meeting in the church wedged between a busy thoroughfare and freeway onramp, the busy world rushing by in the roar of traffic, the small gathering of believers focused inward, themselves a symbol of Lent.

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FL MORRIS / STAR-BULLETIN
Leonard Letoto prays at St. Patrick's. He says he makes
his meditative visits during the day when it's quiet.

14 Stations of the Cross
trace path of Christ

---

Star-Bulletin staff

Christian pilgrims for centuries have walked the winding old streets of Jerusalem on a route that, tradition holds, was the path Christ took on the way to his crucifixion.

The Stations of the Cross, marking 14 stops along his way, are depicted in paintings or plaques in most Roman Catholic churches.

They serve as a focus for a meditative prayer used particularly during Lent.

"The stations are one of the most powerful prayers," said Leonard Letoto, who takes the walk most days of this pre-Easter season.

"This one means a lot to me," he said, pausing before the Fourth Station which depicts Christ meeting his mother. "What would you feel like to have your mother see you beaten and bloody," said the retired Army command sergeant major. "My sins caused the burden on his shoulders. I ask the Lord to let me carry the cross."

Letoto said he tries to visit a church during the day when he can be alone for his contemplative 20-minute walk around the church.

Most parishes also have a weekly communal service with a priest making the walk while the congregation joins in prayers.

"Not many people take the time these days," said Letoto. "It's too bad; it's a very consuming way to pray. When you finish it, you are refreshed."