Cast as Mary, Marina Dickson, 27, moved the faithful to tears as shecradled Jesus in her arms after he stumbled barefoot through the cityfor the 13 stations of the cross, watched by a worldwide audience of500 million.

Now the Chilean-born beauty therapist has left the Catholic Church to worship at the evangelical Hillsong church.

She is thrilled: "It's important you are where God wants you to be. I feel Hillsong is where I am called to be. I am so happy."

Not so Australia's leading Catholic, Archbishop of Sydney CardinalGeorge Pell. "If this is true and Marina decides to formally leave thechurch, that would be a surprise. It would also be a great sadness," hesaid. "But at least she is not leaving Jesus Christ."

Ms Dickson worshipped at St Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church atMilton, on the South Coast, when she auditioned for the role of Mary.She said she was honoured to be chosen as the "beautiful and loyalwoman of God".

Last week, Ms Dickson, of Pennant Hills, told The Sun-Herald:"I have only good things to say about the Catholic Church but I havethis hunger for God. I wanted to learn more about the Bible and have adeeper relationship with God.

"Hillsong is more about having a relationship with God. It's alifestyle, not just somewhere to go on a Sunday. I love it. It is likeI fell in love with God all over again."

Chehade Richa, 18, who played Judas, said Ms Dickson's decision was "very surprising".

"We were meant to embody Catholic youth but I guess if that's where shefinds her spirituality then that's OK," he said. "It's not a betrayal;Hillsong still believes in Jesus and his core teachings."

Alfio Stuto jnr, who played Jesus, said: "Who is anyone to judge what others do? Let those without sin cast the first stone."

mbenns@fairfaxmedia.com.auTHE REACTION

? JESUS (Alfio Stuto jnr):

"Let those without sin cast the first stone."

? JUDAS (Chehade Richa):

"It's not a betrayal."

? CARDINAL GEORGE PELL:

"[It's] a great sadness."