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.

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Maundy Thursday: Dakit Cordero, Santa Rita Pampanga

Mula ng maging Parish Priest ng Santa Rita si Msgr. Eugene Reyes, binuhay muli ang tradisyon ng Dakit Cordero (fetching of the lamb). Some parishes who also practice this tradition used a "lamb" made of cake or kamote. Here in Santa Rita Parish, they used a real lamb.

The lamb symbolizes the imminent death of Christ.

The celebration started with a prayer and liturgical reading at the Doña Irene Retreat House/Sta. Rita Catholic School (SRCS), around 5PM the parish priest. This was followed by a march going to the church.

During the mass, after the homily, the washing of the feet of the parish representatives (came from different sectors of the town) follows.

After the mass, may maliit na procession ng Blessed Sacrament sa loob ng simbahan. And the Blessed Sacrament was place on the altar for people to venerate.

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

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Holy Wednesday Procession in Santa Rita Pampanga

Nakamulatan ko na ang prusisyon tuwing Holy Wednesday sa Santa Rita. Dahil sa member kami ng kapatid ko sa isang parish organization kaya lagi kaming present sa mga activities.

Nagpagawa din ang aming pamilya ng "carroza". The life-size Last Supper.

The "carrozas" depicts the life of Jesus from His entrance to Jerusalem to the first part of The Passion.

Here are the "carrozas" own by different families in Santa Rita:

 

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

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