Solemn Reunion of Mother and Son

 

An original One-Act Holy Saturday Play (and artwork) by Kieran Gonsalves (c), 2026

SCENE START

SETTING:
It is just before daybreak after the Crucifixion and the Upper Room, which hosted the Last Supper, is quiet. The long wooden table sits center stage, with a silent figure wrapped in white tunic. The two adjacent guest rooms are occupied by Mother Mary and John, the favorite disciple of Jesus.

In the dim light, Mother Mary is tossing in bed, restless. Her face etched with grief, as she fights back the tears. She can hear John, the favorite disciple, snoring with every breath - and though he is deep asleep, it reminds her that she is not alone.

Suddenly, a soft, golden luminescence fills her bedroom. It doesn't flicker like a candle; it glows with a soft warmth that instantly fills Mother Mary with peace. The Archangel Gabriel appears - just as he did at the night of the Annunciation - with the quiet reverence of a messenger servant.

GABRIEL (Whispering): Hail Mary, full of grace.

Mary sits up quickly. She recognizes the Archangel and his comforting voice from her youth.

MARY: Gabriel? Is he alright? Is it time for me to join Him?

GABRIEL: Yes, Mother! He is alright. He is not among the dead. He is waiting for you at the table where He broke bread at the Last Supper. Come alone.

Gabriel disappears as quickly as he appeared. Mary rises with a newfound strength and hurries quietly to meet her Son.

ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER 

Jesus sits at the head of the table shrouded in a simple white tunic. As Mary enters, He stands. The moonlight catches the deep gashes of the crown of thorns, but His face is radiant.

MARY (A choked sob): My Son ...

 
JESUS: Emma. You stood by me to my final breath!!

He opens His arms. She rushes to Him, and for a long while, they stand in a silent embrace. No words are spoken, none are needed. She reaches out, her fingers trembling as she touches the scars of His faces and the wounds on His hands.

JESUS: I had to come see you, Emma - to comfort you. Do not let your heart be troubled by these scars. Death has no sting over me. Every drop of my blood was the price paid to redeem the world. I did what I had to, and my Heavenly Father is pleased.

MARY: It was so hard, Jesus. I could hardly breathe. I wish I had died on the cross instead of you. Now there is darkness everywhere.

JESUS: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. But I came so that you would be first to know ... I will soon ascend to my Father’s side to prepare a place for all of you in Heaven.

MARY (Softly): Can I come with You?

JESUS (Smiling tenderly): One day surely, not now. The infant Church needs its Mother to keep the flames of hope alive amidst all the confusion and darkness. You will nourish them, Emma, like you once nourished me. You will be their pillar of strength. But fear not, I will not leave you orphans; I am sending the Holy Spirit — the Paraclete who will be the Counselor, the Advocate, the Comforter and the Helper in all things. The Holy Spirit will remain forever and unfailingly with you and all who follow me till the end of time. 

Mary bows her head, the "fiat" of her youth returning to her lips.

MARY: Let it be done to me according to Your word.

Jesus reaches quietly into the folds of His tunic and pulls out a small object wrapped in a weathered leather pouch. He places it in her hands.

JESUS: This is for you. Do you remember?

Mary unwraps it. It is a small, rustic wood carving. It depicts a mother holding a tiny infant in her arms. The lines are simple, the work of a young boy’s hands guided by his father, a carpenter.

MARY (Tears falling): You made this... with Joseph ... It was your first handiwork. You were only seven years old. You said it was a gift for the day you would have to leave home.

JESUS: I kept it with me when I left home, to remind me of the warmth of your loving arms whenever I felt lonely. Now, I give it to you now as a keepsake. Let it remind you that the Son you once held in your arms has redeemed the world. 

He kisses her gently on her forehead. The room begins to glow with the first hint of a supernatural dawn.

JESUS:  Wait for the third day, Emma. I will meet you all in Galilee.

He begins to fade into the light, leaving Mary standing alone, clutching the small wooden carving to her heart. She looks toward the window as the first light of the resurrection begins to break.

SCENE END