As early as 4 o’clock dawn on Good Friday, MT. Calvary, the city’s religious destination is already packed with few thousands of devotees from Puerto Princesa and from nearby towns in Palawan.
Before sunrise, a multitude of people from all walks of life are already seen climbing the hill for the Station of the Cross. In fact, others were already there the night before bringing tents and few belongings.
The Station of the Cross also know as Via Cruciz is an age-old traditions of faithful Catholic, reciting prayers and reflecting on each events leading to the Cross and the resurrection. The station starts with the Last Supper, when our Savior, told His disciples about his sufferings and death on the Cross that is about to unfold. He likewise get the bread and cup of wine, eat and drink from it and commanded his disciples to do the same, in his memory (This is an important part of the Eucharistic Celebration or Holy Mass that is still celebrated to this day).
It was an uphill climb at the first seven stations, when Jesus Christ was scourged at the pillars of stones, started carrying the Cross. At the summit of the hill, is a big chapel in between the 7th and 8th station.
Starting from 8th station is a descending way towards a stone tomb, a replica of the tomb where Jesus was laid.
Sherell P. Solijon, a businesswoman together with her family was a among those who flocked early at Mt. Calvary on Good Friday. She said that this is part of her activities and devotion every year during Holy Week.
Donna Flores who works in a dress shop in Brgy. Sta. Monica said that it was a memorable once in a lifetime experience to offer sacrifices like uphill climbing at Mt. Calvary and prayers during Good Friday.
Many devotees bring candles and put lighted candles in each stations while others prefer reciting the prayers sans the candles.
At the foot of Mt. Calvary is the live station of the Cross and senaculo with three men (apparently part of their devotion) willingly tied themselves on three crosses erected near the chapel, to act as Jesus Christ and two thieves. Other men, dressed as Roman soldiers carried swords and spears.
Other devotees bring their own baon packed in bags and big Tupperware and stayed near the chapel, near the live station of the Cross and senaculo.
Few hundred meters from Mt. Calvary are flea market of sorts. Food stalls are installed at roadside by vendors who sell bread, dumplings, hamburgers, variety of kakanin, and different kind of food. Refreshments too, are prepared such as fruit shakes and juices, ice creams, and others. Aside from ready to eat food stuff, other products are also displayed here, such as dried fish, fresh vegetable, fruits, balloons, toys, etc.
This year, several groups offered free bottled water to the devotees like Couples for Christ (CFC) and other religious groups. Near the entrance, NCCC gave free bottled water and biscuit to every devotees.
Philippine National Red Cross, national agencies like Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has their booth at the foot near the entrance leading to Mt. Calvary. Also present with kiosk and tents are city offices like City DRRM, Anti-Crime Task Force of the city government, rescuers’ group, and volunteer civic associations.
Some observers and devotees said that their experience at MT. Calvary is generally orderly with the presence of traffic personnel and organized parking of vehicles. They are happy with the presence of temporary terminal of tricycles and multicab, though, a few hundred meters from the site, but this facilitated the public’s travel and convenience.
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