March 28 - April 3, 2012

Half-baked sacrifices. Photo shows a number of people unflappably changing the normal route of the procession for a shortcut towards the last station.
Photo Credits : HMDA

“No Shortcuts!”

Avalanche of faith joins Lenten activities

By Hernor De Asis and Charmaine Sanchez

                San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral Parish together with Sancarlosenios successfully went through the timetable of events for Semana Santa 2013. Even with the great number of people flooding the streets and the cathedral for the solemn occasion, there were no reported incidents.

The early birds during the station of the cross. 

A massive crowd of Sancarlosenios march together to the different Stations of the Cross as a start for their Good Friday. 

Photo Credits : HMDA

                The scheduled events started last March 16, 2013, Saturday with the Pilgrimage for Life (Panaw sa Kinabuhi) at Sta. Ana. Last Sunday, March 24, was the traditional Blessing of Palm which was followed by a solemn procession from the Rizal Park routed to the Cathedral for a holy mass.

                Confessions at the Cathedral started last Holy Monday, March 25, while there was a renewal of Priestly Vows /Mass of the Holy Chrism last Holy Tuesday, March 26. A mass recollection at PPC took place last Holy Wednesday, March 27 at around 7PM-9PM. There was an evening mass of the Lord’s Supper and a vigil that went up to midnight at the Cathedral last Holy Thursday, March 28.

                The crowd tripled on Good Friday, March 29. The day was started with the station of the cross around the city at 4AM. On the way to the 14th station, the large crowd was pleaded not to take shortcuts since it would somehow ruin the element of sacrifice for the said activity.

                 However, it has become a usual thing for Filipinos and even Sancarlosenios to do the opposite of what is instructed as many nonchalantly took their shortcuts towards the last station at the Colegio De Sta Rita main building. At 12 noon to 4pm, the ‘Siete Palabras’ and ‘Pagsimba sa Krus’ took place at the cathedral. By 4PM, another thick crowd participated for the procession of Santo Entierro around the city besides the scorching heat of the summer sun.

Maghimaya, maghudyaka kay si Hesus nabanhaw na!

People rejoiced as Jesus meets Mary during the traditional ritual we all know as SUGAT. The ressurection serves as a wonderful essence of the Holy Week wherein Christ has died and has risen again for mankind. 

Photo Credits : HMDA 

                After this, a long line of Sancarlosenios formed for the ‘panghalok’ which stretched from the cathedral almost up to the City Hospital which lasted until night, symbolizing the mass’ great faith. By 8PM, the traditional Procession Dolorosa (Seven Sorrows of Mary) was again participated by a healthy crowd of people and was followed by a vigil.

                An Easter Vigil Mass (Misa sa Pagkabanhaw) was celebrated on Holy Saturday, March 30 at around 9PM. 

                ‘’Grabeha gyung kadaghan sa tawu. Mura man ug pista.’’ Most people exclaimed as a noticeable increase of participants compared to the previous years were able to crowd the entire set of activities.

A touch of rescue

                During the ‘Sugat’ last Easter Sunday; another massive crowd filled the City Auditorium as early as 4AM. The crowd got fishy when a number of people started to rumble over the flowers used as decorations which, by faith, they considered miraculous.

                In the middle of the holy mass, a certain Lola Linda collapsed due to a breath of claustrophobia since the crowd of people eventually increased by then.

                The Rescue Team which was in full watch immediately responded and was able to provide Lola Linda with a quick treatment of first aid.