Search Me: A Way of the Cross in Solidarity with the LGBTQ Community

Reflections from the LGBTQ community invite readers to pray the Paschal Mystery in a new way

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Stations of the Cross invite us to enter the human experience of Jesus as he made his way from Jerusalem to Calvary on that first Good Friday. In John Kyler's book, "Search Me: A Way of the Cross in Solidarity with the LGBTQ Community", each of the traditional stations is paired with reflections from members of the LGBTQ community. These honest and vulnerable words invite readers to pray the reality of the Paschal Mystery in a new way.

Why it matters

This session provides an opportunity for anyone looking to incorporate more prayer into their Lenten journey, while also offering a unique perspective on the Stations of the Cross through the lens of the LGBTQ community.

The details

The session will feature reflections from the book "Search Me: A Way of the Cross in Solidarity with the LGBTQ Community" by author John Kyler. The book pairs each of the traditional Stations of the Cross with reflections from members of the LGBTQ community, inviting readers to pray the Paschal Mystery in a new way. The session will be led by a panel including Jesuit priest Fr. James Martin, author John Kyler, and LGBTQ advocate Alison Aquinas, with Conor Reidy of Outreach serving as the facilitator.

  • The session will take place on March 18, 2026.

The players

Fr. James Martin, S.J.

A Jesuit priest, the editor at large at America Media, and founder of Outreach. He is also a consultor to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication and a member of the Synod of Bishops. Father Martin is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and Learning to Pray.

John Kyler

An author, composer, educator, and speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of liturgy, justice, and healthy vulnerability in pastoral ministry. In addition to experience working in parish faith formation and high school and collegiate campus ministry, John is an instructor in the Emmaus Institute for Ministry Formation and a contributor to several pastoral magazines and journals.

Alison Aquinas

Raised in a deeply Baptist home, Alison was formed by a faith centered on Scripture, personal evangelism, and sharing the Gospel with others. Her journey eventually led her to the Catholic Church, where she was received in 2007. When she came out as transgender in 2021, she experienced a season of spiritual struggle, but through the welcome she found at Fortunate & Faithful Families and the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta, her faith was renewed.

Conor Reidy

Serves as Executive Director of Outreach, the LGBTQ Catholic ministry rooted in celebrating and elevating the Catholic LGBTQ experience. Before joining Outreach, Conor served as Director of Mission and Ministry at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where he led campus ministry, service initiatives and programs connecting faith with justice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The session is designed for anyone who would like to incorporate more prayer into their Lenten journey.

The takeaway

This session provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the Stations of the Cross through the lens of the LGBTQ community, offering a fresh perspective on the Paschal Mystery and the invitation to enter more deeply into the human experience of Jesus.