Tuesday, March 27, 2012

DESPITE CHURCH WARNING:5 devotees to join crucifixion rites



MALOLOS CITY—The Church maintained its position over reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion saying it is just a “popularized religiosity.”

As this developed, local tourism groups in Bulacan are gearing up for influx of tourists and pilgrims for the annual crucifixion rites in Paombong where at least five devotees are expected to join on Good Friday.

Bishop Jose Oliveros of the Diocese of Malolos said Christians were not asked by God to imitate what Jesus Christ had done over 2,000 years ago.

He said that Jesus Christ’s teaching is very clear as stated in the Bible.

“The Lord taught us to come carry our cross daily and follow him.  He did not say come and reenact My crucifixion,” Oliveros said.

He also said that the cross is a symbol of every suffering that Christians can bear for Jesus Christ.

“During the Lenten season we are given the opportunity to mortify ourselves and mortification means sacrificing or dying to one self,” the bishop said.

He added that reenactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion is just an expression of popularized religiosity.

“We were asked by Jesus Christ to be a good Christian,” Oliveros said and asked if those doing reenactment of the crucifixion has become good Christians by coming to church every Sunday.

Oliveros also said that what is important during the Lenten season is for people to come and renew their relationship with God.

Meanwhile, the Bulacan Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (BTCVB) initiated rehabilitation of the crucifixion site at Barangay Kapitangan in Paombong town.

Jose Clemente, chair of the BTCVB, said the rehabilitation was meant to improve facilities of the Sto. Cristo Chapel in Barangay Kapitangan which draws tourists every year.

He described the annual crucifixion rites as the only tourism attraction in the province that gained followers even without promotion.

Meanwhile, Michael Katigbak, one of the devotees who joined the rites last year said he will join again this year for the sixth time.(DB)

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