Stations of the Cross 2015

This is another long overdue posting but I still have to share this wonderful and spiritually-quenching experience during the last Lenten Season on April of this year.

As far as my memory serves me right, last April was the first time to have spent the Lenten days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday) in my parents' hometown in Bohol.

The terminal in Pier 1 was expectedly jam-packed with passengers who were very eager to step back on the soils of their homeland, Bohol, which is popularly known as the land of the famous Chocolate Hills.

While waiting for our trip schedule, it was a relief that a coffee shop was opened on the second floor.  

We did arrive at the terminal by 5:30 am but we were still not able to catch the first trip.  We then left only  at 8:30 am via StarCraft - business class seats at PhP 280.00

From the array of church activities for the Lenten week, one of the important activities for Roman Catholics is the VIA CRUCIS or the STATIONS OF THE CROSS.  

When in Cebu, for the last 2-3 years, our Via Crucis meditation and prayer is done at the Chapel of Pedro Calungsod at SM SeaSide City.  It is different in my parents' place since the stations of the cross are posted outdoors and in a mountainous area . 

The essence of the Via Crucis is more solemnized as a number (big number) of people joining the activity seemed to be in a prayer rally processional. The Way of the Cross is a devotional means of doing sacrifice and to relive the hardships suffered by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis) refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and also to the prayers Christians say when contemplating those images.

The road leading to the end of the stations is called Magsaysay Drive. It is an uphill climb with literally rocky roads along the route. 

 I was really amazed as to the number of people who joined (as this is a one-time activity on that day).  The number did prove that people are still praying and have faith in God.

Upon finishing the last station of the cross, and while still gasping for more air to breathe, you will be enthralled upon the sight of these two gigantic holy statues: a supersized Crucifix and a beautiful magnified statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The sight of these two holy images blew away those bodily complaints and leads you to that urgency for a more earnest meditation and thanksgiving.

It was indeed a remarkable accomplishment to have stepped on the foot of the Blessed Virgin Mary statue.  The spiritual, devotional side of each people may have been replenished and refueled by our own faith.

 And on turning our backs to return to our homes, a magnificent view of the  greenery of Bohol and the ocean certainly completed the whole experience.

Hope you did have a well-spent  and spiritually-filled Lenten season!

Have a good night to all.