Ex herba ad Gratiam

From my childhood days up to the present, Semana Santa has always remained one of the most significant moments in my life, as it is the time of the year where we are reminded of the sacrifices our Lord, Jesus Christ, endured. Some local superstitions spring to mind every time the Lenten season arrives. When I was still a kid, I remember that my mother had told me, "Kuna dagiti babbaket ken lallakay ket idi umuna nga panawen, saan nga aggaraw dagiti bulong nu panawen iti Kuwaresma." This statement remarked by my mother further explained the essence, the solemnity of Lent even before, that leaves from trees stay still, as if it commemorates with us, Christians, the life of the Lamb of God, his sacrifices as He endured the wrath of Roman priests and soldiers, and up until his death, as payment for our sins.

As the Philippines garnered its title as the only major predominantly Catholic nation in Asia, observing Lent annually has been a part of our lives where we remember the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

 

Residing in the fruitful lands of Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, then Villa Fernandina de Vigan, where it is identified and recognized as one of the eight original Spanish villas established by the Spaniards in our country that dates back to the 16th century, our culture and traditions were heavily influenced by our colonizers, who adapted the way of life they had back in their motherland, including their religious activities such as the Mahal na Araw.

The Christian faith slowly blossomed in the city, with the establishment of churches and chapels such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of Saint Paul, or as locals would refer to it, "Simbaan nga Dakkel," that can be found near primary buildings in the city such as the Palacio del Arzobispado, Vigan City Hall, and Ilocos Sur Capitol; and "Simbaan a Bassit," a chapel cemetery dedicated to Santo Cristo Milagroso, located at the southern tip of Quezon Avenue, as manifestations. These places of worship served as a home and institution for Bigueños, for they introduced them to the goodness of God, instilling and observing love, peace, and mercy inside their hearts.

 

In this year's observance of Semana Santa in the city, it felt a whole lot different without these two churches as venues of masses, for their doors are still closed to the public as a result of the magnitude 7.0 Abra Earthquake on July 27, 2022, that shook the whole land of Northern Luzon. All masses are now held at the Divine Word College of Vigan Quadrangle, just beside the Vigan Cathedral.

 

During the Lenten season, I had a handful of observations and experiences that will be of significance to my life, which I will be utilizing to improve and better the decisions I make and create in the future.

 

Domingo Ramos was unforgettable. Before the procession, me and my sisters had the chance to reunite again with our grandmothers. We dined at a local fast food chain and had small talk. Conversation circled around our lives recently, and it was enlightening as seeds of wisdom were planted again in my mind. Soon after, we bid our goodbyes, and we were to meet our parents as we planned to join the procession. As soon as the activity had started in front of the temporarily unavailable cathedral, we followed the carroza of the Last Supper. I was unable to completely feel the solemnity of the procession because the stomachache I was experiencing interfered with my mind during this activity of reflection. We went home after it and I slept as soon as I reached my bed, enduring the pain it was causing.

 

Lunes and Martes Santo were school days, so it was tiring, of course, and I was unable to also feel the spirit of this time of commemoration properly.

 

Classes on Miercoles Santo were supposed to be half day, but were eventually suspended for a reason still unbeknownst to me. But duties and responsibilities as a club officer call. An estación general, or Dalan ti Kruz, was scheduled at 8 in the morning around the different departments of Ilocos Sur National High School, wherein club officers, members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, and the teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution were expected to join and attend the activity. It turned out well, and I am beyond grateful that I became a part of this activity. After going home, I spent the whole afternoon lying in bed as a fever started to control my body.

 

Jueves Santo was not as productive as I hoped it would be. Hot temperatures were observed in me for a few hours. Consequently, I was unable to do anything but lie in bed. Unfortunately, I was unable to do anything or accomplish anything except read an e-book in my library.

 

My experience during Viernes Santo was filled with sorrow and solemnity. As my family always does, we participated in the annual procession of the Santo Entierro on Good Friday. I saw some of my classmates participating too, and it was heartwarming to know that they also value the true essence of this season. Following the carroza carrying the body of Jesus after his crucifixion and with the addition of a local band playing solemn songs just in front of the carroza where Mater Dolorosa, one of the very limelights of the whole activity, is situated, the music totally represented the gloom and grief felt by Mary, as it was like her heart were pierced with swords because of the sadness she felt while witnessing Jesus' death by being crucified on a cross. The whole experience was somber and contemplative, and it was very different from what I had experienced over my sixteen years of existence.

Sabado Gloria was supposed to be a day spent at the beach, swimming and eating lunch and meriendas on its shores, as many Catholics had observed, but I went to Sinait with my family in preparation of the arrival of my cousins from Los Angeles, California. It was exhausting from all the traveling and stuff, but I think it was a day well spent, as I ended it while watching Netflix.

 

Domingo Sabet was definitely heartwarming. I chose to spend my Sunday morning attending Easter mass with my sister and grandmother in celebration of Jesus' joyful resurrection. I lit some candles and said my prayers to God, and the feeling was so amazing and enlightening. Sunday afternoon, my cousins arrived from Manaoag, finally meeting them because they had never had a chance to visit the Philippines until this time. It was time to reconnect with my roots, and certainly, the feeling was emotionally rewarding.

 

To sum it all up, the wide foliage of the roots of Christianity in our country, the Philippines, has grown deep in us and in our souls—so deep that it has influenced our culture and traditions, how we should live our lives, and what decisions we should take to further embody the principles and ideals of a true Christian.

 

In this time of reflection, grief, and atonement, may the Son of God's journey from His entrance to Jerusalem up until his crucifixion at Mount Calvary always be retained in our hearts like etched words in a rock.

 

As this time of the year arrives yet again, may the same compassion, goodness, and mercy for others reign inside our hearts as we continue to make this world a better place to live in, just as Jesus Christ has shown and done for everyone.

 

Should we keep the moral and spiritual lessons we had derived from the teachings of God alive inside our hearts, especially in this season as we trace back Jesus' holy expedition from his birth in a simple manger in Bethlethem, serving as a testament of the Holy Son's simplicity and modesty, up until his ascension to heaven as the Resurrected Christ; truly the Prince of Peace's holy journey from Grass to Grace. 🕊

References:

[1] God blessing jesus by white dove before resurrection Stock Photo. (n.d.). Adobe Stock. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://stock.adobe.com/ph/images/god-blessing-jesus-by-white-dove-before-resurrection/187548495

[2] Facebook (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.facebook.com/1635052231/posts/pfbid0BZUm3beFvK4GgkjvKHbtbuSfhGc1QSjhB3qZAJ93MXX45KQZbXQHgGNLd1AFe2hGl/?app=fbl