My fourth Visita Iglesia activity. We would normally visit 7 churches and recite the prayers for 2 stations each commemorating the last moments of Jesus' life. This year, we have decided to try the "WALKWAY" at Bonifacio Global City. An interactive Stations of the Cross.
"Walkway: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross", features all the 14 stations with art installations and activities that for me seem to appeal to a younger crowd. An activity put together by a non-profit organization called CHURCH SIMPLIFIED , the Walkway gave me a different view on the events that fateful day that started at the garden of Gethsemane. Information on each station installation are largely printed, some focus on the historic events, others on issues that we deal with in modern times, it also guides the reader on how to reflect and gives instructions on the "act" that the station would want you to participate in.
Here is a quick look at my "favorite" stations:
Station 2 - The Betrayal : After saying a quick prayer for those whom I feel have betrayed me, and humbly asking for forgiveness if at 1 point I have betrayed anybody, I took a piece of red cloth.
Station 4 - The Verdict: This station focused on how Pontius Pilate, despite being convinced of Jesus' innocence, decided to "wash his hands" and denied responsibility. A donation box is located at the fourth station, this station reminded me not to "wash my hands" ... not to absolve myself of any responsibility for the innocent. A minimal donation of 5 pesos was requested. The donations from this station will be forwarded to the "Sponsor a Child" program of WE International Philippines .
Station 6 -The Curse : This station focused on the crown of thorns and its relation to environmental awareness. I pinned a piece of green cloth on the huge crown of thorns. A simple act that commits me to doing my share, even in my own little way to leave a greener earth to the next generation.
Station 8 - The Two Simons : Probably my most favorite station. This showed the contrast of Simon Peter and the stranger Simon of Cyrene. How Simon Peter denied Jesus and how a complete stranger, Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus. I was given the chance to be a Simon of Cyrene, I took a piece of paper from a bowl, written on it is a prayer of someone I do not know, I kept that piece of paper and intend to include that person in my Wednesday Novena. I too wrote my prayers on a piece of paper, with hopes that my own "stranger Simon" would also pray for me.
Station 9 - The Crucifixion : The red piece of cloth that I took at the second station was nailed to a cross. I used my finger to write down the things that I feel weighs me down, my misdeeds, misjudgments, acts of selfishness, stuff like that. I kid you not when I say that every strike of the hammer pinning that little piece of cloth to the cross was very liberating.
Station 12 - The Darkness : I entered a small dark tent. It serves to highlight that there will really be times when I would feel like I will be surrounded by darkness, that it would seem like I can not find my way out of a really bad and depressing situation, that darkness seems permanent. It is sort of a reminder that during very trying times, all I have to do is be strong and have faith that the darkness is temporary and that there will be a way out of it.
Station 13 - The cloth : I wrote down the names of the people who made a great impact in my life and with it a prayer that they be blessed. I not only wrote the names of those who are dear to me and those who have always been with me through good and bad times... but I also wrote down the names of people who I feel has made me stronger, people who have in a way wronged me, doubted me and made me feel less of the person I am. I pray they be blessed more.
The Walkway is open until midnight today. There is even a free concert on Easter. Try to go, it is informative, fun and I left the place feeling lighter... I'm not quite sure how, maybe because I used up some calories with the kilometer-long walk...doesn't really matter the important thing is it did make me feel more blessed and happy!
No comments:
Post a Comment