Good Friday Traditions, Santa Rita Pampanga

As early as 4:30am, the parishioners of Santa Rita gathers at the church patio for the traditional station of the cross. At 5am, the cross was blessed by Msgr. Reyes. The route of the Station of the Cross changes every year, each barangay taking its turn. This years route is Brgy. San Isidro. After the 13th station, the cross was brought back to the churh at around 9:30am for the 14th station and final blessing. 

Tradition continues at 3:00pm for the veneration of the cross. The large cross was anointed with oil for people to venerate.

After the veneration of the cross, the much awaited procession of the people in Santa Rita Pampanga followed. 

The town of Santa Rita is also known for the antique carro of the Santo Entierro. It is owned by the Maglalang Family.

Men of all ages were barefooted, makeshift thorned crown in their heads also follows the Santo Entierro imitating the passion of Jesus.

Here in Santa Rita, hindi nawala ang tradisyon ng pag awit ng Stabat Mater. Choirs sung with the accompaniment of violins, guitars and drums. For 18 years, I'm part of this singing group.

At the end of the long procession, the church was closed and people were waiting at the church patio. Nobody (except those who worked in the parish) can enter the church. Mauuna munang papasok ang Santo Entierro sa simbahan para sa "burol".

  After blessing of incense, people were queuing to kiss and venerate the Holy Sepulcher. 

* Many thanks to SCM of Santa Rita de Cascia Parish for the pictures.

Posted in: Good Friday, Grood Friday Processsion, Holy Week in Pampanga, Pampanga, Region 3, Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Holy Week Tradition, Santa Rita Pampanga, Santo Entierro, tradition