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)
