On The Hill Far-Away

Today is Holy Friday and in the Philippines, as a predominantly Roman Catholic country, we have our own version of Pilgrimage. Today, i woke up early & went with Auntie Lilian & his family to Shrine Hills in Matina,Davao City. I'm not originally from Davao but my companions are pioneers of this city and they're doing this ritual every year,every Good Friday. So, i went with them,contemplated and observed(and they do have different atmosphere here in celebrating Lenten Season).Back in my hometown,General Santos City,it is very quiet and old-fashioned...

Anyway,there are 14 Stations of the Cross,namely:1)Jesus is condemned to death;2)Jesus takes the Cross;3)Jesus falls the first time;4)Jesus meets his Mother Mary;5)Simon help carry the Cross;6)Veronica wipes the face of Jesus;7)Jesus falls for the second time;8)The women of Jerusalem weep;9)Jesus falls the third time;10)Jesus is stripped of his garments;11)Jesus is nailed to the Cross;12)Jesus is raised up on the Cross and dies;13)Jesus is taken down from the Cross;14)Jesus is laid on the tomb. These fourteen Stations represent the Passion of Christ.(To have bigger image,please click the photo).

So,we started our walk of course from the First Station. There are so many people and this will be up to the whole day today.Most of the people are bringing candles and they will light each candle from station to station. It's probably 5 to 8 minutes walk from one station to the other(and it really depends how fast you walk!).

In every station,people will stop and pray.After few minutes they will continue to move on to the next station.

You might observe here that some people are taking advantage of the situation.There are so many business-minded people that are selling everything---toys,fans,food,water and beverages,accessories,clothes,etc..etc...(it's a good chance for these small and medium businessmen because all the malls are close today!).I am just wondering if i can bring my husband here the next time? He is claustrophobic!

I can't believe it's like fiesta in some point here.Some places in Cebu(but not in Bantayan Island where they have food---especially roasted pork called lechon and lots of drinks the whole day!) and other parts of Luzon celebrate Lenten season in a very old-fashioned way!Some people even nailed themselves on the cross!(I should have a pic of that one when i went to Cavite one time!)

And finally,we reach our destination...

Each place has it's unique way of celebrating their faith.I grew up a Roman Catholic and my father is a very conservative Roman Catholic. But i also married a Baptist.We respect each other.

I want to end this entry with what the famous French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal said,"HEART HAS ITS REASONS WHICH REASON DOES NOT KNOW."Faith can only be felt by the heart,never with any reason.That's why science and religion can never get along very well!