By Donnie Duchin Duya

A news from the syndicated news agency Associated Press headlines PH carries out bloody Good Friday ‘crucifixions’ appeared in the midday of Friday. The news article refers to the devotion of some in the Philippines who mark Good Friday by whipping their backs and ultimately, by being nailed to crosses.

But the headline was quite exaggerated. For the moment that particular news hit the cyberspace, more Filipinos—far beyond than those who opted for a ‘bloodier’ expression of their devotion—must have just gone back to their homes after accomplishing their annual Good Friday devotion, the Way of the Cross.

Days ago, no less than the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, had encouraged Filipino faithful to participate in the Way of the Cross. This is in keeping with the tone of the season, like a 'penitential journey.'

In the National Shrine Mary, Help of Christians in Parañaque City for example, the celebration of the Way of the Cross was in keeping with the Philippine Church’s observance of the Year of the Poor. Led by the Parish Commission on Liturgy, beautiful reflections the realities of the modern times were anchored on Jesus’ suffering.

The young people of the Parish made the reflections more alive by dramatizing the Passion of the Christ interspersing it with the challenges that confront us at present.

The same theme also propelled the celebration of the Way of the Cross of St. John Bosco Parish in Tondo. Located in the Philippine capital, their theme was in keeping with the theme they chose in their patron’s feast last January: “A Church which Responds to the Poor.” Hand in hand with the local village leaders, the stations were placed in various spots within the jurisdiction of the Parish. There were representatives from the leaders who even carried the cross. Prayers were recited for the intentions of the village chair down to the residents.

The Parish of St. Dominic Savio in Mandaluyong City literally brought the cross along the busy and narrow roads of the parish. It was marked with ample simplicity yet deeply rooted faith. This year is a return to what is traditional. There were no "live-dramas" which have been the norm for the past years.

In spite of the modest choice, the devotional practice made it way alongside many other popular piety practices performed by different residents even those coming from the Aglipayan Church (a nationalist renegade Catholic sect), to bring the people in reflection and contemplation of the Passion of Christ. Actually, people even those the market will stop to give the proper reverence to the Black Nazerene especially after recognizing its ownership which belongs to their parish. They too participated in the prayer and eventual meditation of Christ’s Passion.

Meanwhile, in the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, which is located in the Diocese of San Pablo, Don Bosco Seminary animated the Way of the Cross following “Mary’s interpretation.” Though the stations were just held within the confines of Don Bosco Canlubang, the participants were led to reflect on their own experience of ‘crosses,’ and sharing these to other participants. One of the highlights is the 14th station which points to Jesus being laid in the tomb.

The participants were asked to write their own bad habits or practices they wish to let go off, and after which, the papers on which they wrote them these were placed inside a real coffin, as if "burying" them with Christ.

With reports from Br. Marc Will Lim, SDB, Itchan Decena, Fr. Duds Hila, SDB

Photos courtesy of Fr. Duds Hila, SDB (SJB Parish-Tondo); Br. James Aro, SDB, Fr Favie Faldas, SDB (DB Canlubang); Br. Isidore (MHC National Shrine); Vince Keith Sanchez, Jr. (Savio Parish-Mandaluyong)