Way of the Cross 2021: Pray, Repent, Give as One

The Way of the Cross is indeed a beautiful expression of faith. Here in St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish, parishioners gather to attend the Way of the Cross every Friday. We accompany our Lord Jesus Christ in His sufferings towards Calvary. Through this, we can feel His undying love and care for us despite his beaten and weak body.

It gives light to the members and GKK Servant Leaders. With the initiative of our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dionisio Tabiliran along with Rev. Fr. Rey Sabuero, Parochial Vicar, sacristans, seminarians, and parish staff, the said activity become harmonious.

Two routes were made: Cabantian-Buhangin and Tigatto. The first Friday was held at the Cabantian-Buhangin Route and the 2nd Friday at the Tigatto Route. With the help of the vehicles, the faithful can actively participate the Via Crucis. It starts exactly at 2:00 o’clock – in the afternoon and the stations were assigned to the different GKKs within the parish vicinity.

The Big Cross from the parish leads the Way of the Cross. As the Big Cross passes by, I can’t help but to gaze upon the crucifix. The cross symbolizes the death of the Son of God but why do we honor and rejoice such a sad event? Christ’s death is the victory over sin and death. It is also known as the Greatest Act of Love.

GSLs express their earnest thanks to the parish for initiating this momentous event. Through this, both members and leaders unite to join this parish activity. This is a way to encourage the faithful to attend and to deepen their faith and trust in the Lord.

This Lenten Season we are called to repent from our sins and to pray for the salvation of all mankind. This is also the time for us to share and give something to the church. It is not necessary to do it financially. Just by giving our time to support and join the parish-wide Via Crucis, we do our part as Christians and we can spend time with Him, our Lord. Christ gave up and offered His life to us, in return we must offer ourselves to the people who need our love, help and affection.

By praying the Stations of the Cross, Christ’s sufferings are visible to us. Many of us want to follow the footsteps of our Lord but the question is can we carry our cross to follow Him? Do we have the patience and the courage to go through the pain that Christ suffered? Can we withstand the trials waiting for us?

Perhaps in this pandemic, God calls us to be closer to Him. He accompanies us, His people, in this hard times. He draws nearer to us because he wants to give us the strength, courage, inspiration, and love that we needed to conquer these trials. In this time all of us were given a cross to carry and with the Lord’s help and guidance we can surpass all of this.

Times of hardships, defeat and failure can weaken or even break one’s spirit. We journey not just as brothers and sisters but also as Disciples of Christ to the place where God has already prepared for us. Christ gave us salvation and we need to do our part by praying, repenting and giving. We Christians will triumph and be victorious in solidarity just like the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Allyza Hope Tabigue | GKK SoCCom of St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish)