Young Alverno Students Walk the Stations of the Cross Together

In a quiet corner of campus shaded by olive trees, students at Alverno Heights Academy took part in a reflective Lenten tradition that brought lessons of faith to life through shared experience and contemplation.

Transitional Kindergarten and fourth-grade “buddy” pairs recently gathered in the school’s north garden to walk the Stations of the Cross together, retracing the final moments of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. The activity, rooted in the Catholic observance of Lent, offered students an opportunity to engage with the story in a setting designed to evoke both reverence and understanding.

The garden itself—lined with olive trees—served as a symbolic backdrop. According to Catholic tradition, it was in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus prayed on the night before his crucifixion. By walking beneath similar trees, students were able to connect physically and emotionally with a moment often described in scripture as one of deep reflection and resolve.

The buddy program paired younger and older students, encouraging mentorship and shared learning. Fourth graders guided their younger counterparts through each station, helping to explain the significance of each moment while fostering a sense of compassion and community. The collaborative structure not only deepened understanding of the religious narrative but also reinforced bonds across grade levels.

School leaders describe the experience as an example of Alverno’s commitment to integrating faith into everyday learning. Rather than confining religious education to the classroom, activities like the outdoor Stations of the Cross are designed to immerse students in meaningful traditions, allowing them to reflect on themes of sacrifice, empathy, and renewal.

Set against the calm of the garden, the event offered a pause from the pace of the school day—a moment for quiet thought during the Lenten season. For many students, it was both an introduction and a deeper exploration of a central story in the Catholic faith, experienced not only through words, but through movement, setting, and shared reflection.

For more information about Alverno Heights Academy and its diverse educational programs, please visit alvernoheightsacademy.org. The school is located at 200 N Michillinda Ave, Sierra Madre and can be contacted at 626-355-3463.