MAGALANG -- Many devotees choose different activities such as visiting churches, going to beach, and witnessing the “Pabasa” to observe the Holy Week.
But for Magaleños, the best way to spend it is to reflect, pray, and meditate upon setting their feet at the foot of Mt. Arayat where the 14 Stations of the Cross are situated.
It was in 2012 when the Soroptimist International (SI) of Magalang embarked on a project in Orchard Village, Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga. It was all about the construction of life-sized statues of the Stations of the Cross.
Flordelis C. Feliciano, former president and now a director of SI, said it was a noble and ambitious project.
To be able to make it possible, Feliciano, together with the officers and members of SI, sought the opinion of the church people and asked for donations from those who are able.
While they were in the process of campaigning for funds, they met kind and generous people who helped them make the dream a reality.
In 2014, 13 stations were in place. Blessedly, the 40 foot tall Risen Christ was majestically standing in 2015.
The following year, a 35-meter retaining wall at the 14th station was put up to prevent possible landslide. With the progress of this project, a number of tourists have visited and enjoyed the atmosphere and the tranquility of the place.
Last April 9, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, together with SI Magalang and Tarlac, and DD Josie Yu also witnessed the beauty of nature in Banal a Bunduk.
Usually, the tourists stop by each station and pray until they trek up to the last station. As they reach each of them, they are soothed not only by the aesthetics but also by the cold breeze especially if it is done early in the morning.
Though the project has reached its peak, it hasn’t yet achieved its completion. To complete the landscaping and sepulcher, P1 million is still needed.
With this, the officers and members of SI Magalang, SI Sampaguita and SI PSAU are hopeful for the contribution of those whose hearts are touched by their mission.
“Banal a Bunduk, Dalan ning Krus is not only for Magaleños and the Kapampangans. Banal a Bunduk is for all God-loving Filipinos,” Feliciano said.