Finally, I am into blogging again! It has been two years
that I wasn’t able to write something on my blog. Well, it is vacation, as for
now, so I’m free to blog, blog, blog. I really missed writing and I kind of
worry because I may not be able to share something wonderful and creative.
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I just wanted to share with you one church here in Bulacan
which I consider very beautiful. Every Maundy Thursday we always go at the
National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Sta. Rosa I, Marilao, Bulacan. Many
Catholics come here from different places just like last April 5, as my family
and I went to the church, we saw groups of bikers from Navotas Chapter as what their
shirts indicate. There were also buses and families and friends who walked from
their homes.
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The giant sunflower |
We came there at 6 a.m. The wind was very soothing. Up in
the sky, birds flew. There are many developments done in the area. This area is
the third level and is now covered. This is an alternative venue for a mass. Why
is there a giant sunflower? I don’t really know its essence for the church but I
guess a sunflower symbolizes the sun itself which gives us light – maybe a
symbol for enlightenment even hope.
Around this covered area are the Stations of the Cross. You really
have to walk to get to the next station and for the women, it is good to wear
flats. This is the only picture I took after we finished the Station of the
Cross.
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Station XIV |
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People wait for their turn to fill up their water container |
There are other attractions inside the National Shrine of
The Divine Mercy such as the Little Poland, a replica of Pope John Paul II’s
home in Poland, souvenir shops, and chapel/s where you can solemnly pray.
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Bulacan is also known for its prusisyon that tells the story of Jesus's sacrifice. Every Holy Week, we join this parade of 45 life size statues and light our candles in the town of Meycauayan. Here are some pictures of the 'karo ng mga santo'. Before the prusisyon started, there was an assembly of the statues.
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Ang Panalangin ni Jesus sa Halamanan ng Getsmani |
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Ang Pagdakip Kay Jesus |
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Ang Paghaharap ni Jesus Kay Herodes |
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Ang Paghaharap ni Jesus Kay Herodes (front view)
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As the parade started, San Pedro is first in line |
All statues are very fascinating and their clothing is well prepared. But, it's not the appearance that we should look at rather the essence why such event is done and this is to remember that Jesus sacrificed for us.