Sunday, April 16, 2006
Lenten Scenes
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO- For many Filipinos, the Holy Week means an out-of-town vacation at a beach resort or Baguio. But for many Kapampangans, the Lenten season is a time for reflection and celebration of traditions.
Apart from the "Pabasa" and "Visita Iglesia," one of the most awaited events is the crucifixion or reenactment of the Way of the Cross, done in the last 50 years in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here.
Eight penitents portraying the role of Jesus Christ were "nailed to the cross" last Good Friday in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here, as thousands of spectators witnessed the yearly event covered by the international, national and local media.
However, there was disappointment as a British national, who announced his intent to be nailed to the cross a week earlier, "chickened out" at the last minute. He claimed that the ritual was too "holy" for him.
In an interview, Ruben Enaje said it was a shame that the Briton was not crucified, adding that the British national might have had "second thoughts" after seeing other penitents bleeding after being nailed to the cross.
Other places which also held crucifixions last Good Friday are in Barangay San Roque in San Luis town where three persons were nailed to the cross with 200 flagellants.
Pampanga Representative Anna York Bondoc said that she and Mayor Jay Sagum would want to promote this yearly Lenten play into a tourism attraction in the province's fourth district.
Others places where similar plays took place were in Angeles City, Magalang, Mabalacat, Sto. Tomas and Minalin.
(April 16, 2006 issue)
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