It’s a holy week so everybody prefers not to eat meat as a tradition of abstinence and fasting too (but I’m not so sure if I can really do fasting). The idea of fasting and abstinence is to gain self control, a simplification of life-style, a solidarity with the poor and hungry, and to return to Paradise.We, Christians take a step to look back on what Jesus did in his last week of life.
April 1 of 2010, me and cousins decided to have a Visita Iglesia, like what we usually does every holy week, but this time we were only few because most of our cousin’s now on abroad. Although there’s a so called trend of online Visita Iglesia Stations of the Cross (I actually don’t find it acceptable but its good intention counts), we just wanted something that was real to feel the essence of the greatness of Jesus Christ Station of the Cross and to express our own faith. Click here for the online Visita Iglesia.
After eating fish with gata for dinner, we get ourselves ready for the Visita Iglesia, wherein we’re going to meditate on the sufferings of Jesus Christ through the traditional Station of the Cross.
Opening prayer: ACT OF CONTRITION “O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again.”
First station: Jesus Christ institutes the Last Supper, we prayed at the Basilica of St. Michael Archangel (Tayabas, Quezon) One of the old and biggest church in the country. (Click here to see the article ) We should take the Holy Eucharist in every Holy Communion. "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Second Station: He prays in Gethsemane, we prayed at the Sanctuaryo Chapel. For God so loved the world he gave us His only Son. Jesus Christ as the only Son of our Lord accepted the divine will of His Father.
Third Station: Christ is taken before the Sanhedrin (high court), we prayed at the (MCST) Missionary Catechists of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus. 2 years ago, our school went there for a retreat and I remembered those memories as we got there. For those times that people criticize me at home or at school or elsewhere, I have learned to accept criticism and unfairness just like what Jesus did.
Forth Station: He is scourged and crowned with thorns, we prayed at the parish of Peñafrancia. Sometimes I feel like I’m not appreciated and I do feel sorry for myself, even though the crosses others carry are much larger than my own. I learned that I should accept and overcome the hardship just like what He did for us.
Fifth Station: Christ carries the cross to Cavalry, we prayed at the St. Andrew d apostle church. There are times that I give up so easily but I realized that I should have the courage to overcome the burden because Jesus carried the heavy cross (burden our sins) to redeemed us.
Sixth Station: He falls under the weight of the cross, we prayed at the Carmel of St. Joseph. Sometimes I tend to be impatient with myself and find it hard to believe in myself when I fail. Also sometimes I do get depressed in small things but as what He did, I should try not gave up easily and to do my best even when things doesn’t seem to be on my way. After praying we took some picture taking at the nuns’ place and bought some holy bread or Ostiya flakes and Ostiya Pulboron at the gate side and continued.
Seventh Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Him carry the cross, we prayed at the mother of good counsel. There are times that others asked for my help but I sometimes claim to be too busy. I learned that I should be helpful because it brings happiness not only to those I’ve helped but also to me.
Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem, we prayed at the St. Alphonsus Regional Seminary. Just like what He did, I wanted to become more anxious to others when they have a problem so that I can respond to them even when I'm busy or preoccupied with my own problems.
Ninth Station: He is stripped of his garments, we prayed at the Lourdes Cathedral. To become more like Him who is pure and clean, I should say things that build up the people around me, overcome worldly desires and set a good example for others to follow.
Tenth Station: Christ promises Heaven to Dimas, the repentant thief; we prayed at the Maryhill Chapel. Just like what He did, we should learn how to forgive others who have sin to us.
Eleventh Station: He entrusts John, his cousin, and Mary, his mother, to each other; we prayed at the Ferdinand Cathedral. There is no other occupation in the world that compares to quality mothering from birth to death just like what Mama Mary did. In the midst of dying, He was still thinking of others and so He wants us to love even when we are dying.
Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross, we prayed at the St. Isidore Cathedral. I praised and thank Jesus for his great love, sacrifice and willingness to die on the cross for us.
Thirteenth Station: His body is laid in the tomb, we prayed at the Holy face of Jesus parish. I learned that I should become more gentle and loving person through my greater appreciation for those around me while they’re still alive. I should live each day as if it was my last.
Fourteenth Station: Christ is resurrected, we prayed at the St. Anne diocesan cathedral. Jesus Christ ascended into the heavens, is ruling and reigning even now, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. Let us all repent, believe in Him and be saved forever.
It feels so good to finish the 14 Station of the Cross, may our wishes be granted from above. This Holy week, just always remember to put up share of differences like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Let’s be thankful to Jesus Christ because by the Holy Cross He redeemed the world.
After the Visita Iglesia we go to QNAS to visit my sister and eat some ice cream (love it). We arrive at home by 1 a.m. and we saw many people walking in the street, they’re going to visit the beautiful grotto of Kamay ni Jesus in Lucban. I am so amazed that they were willing to walk that far (from Tayabas to Lucban), this tradition is the so called indulgentia or plenary indulgence, they does it to express release from punishment. It is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin which has been forgiven.
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