FAITHFUL join the Good Friday procession organized by the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City on April 3. (Photo courtesy of Michael Angelo Cubos)
BACOLOD CITY – Hundreds of faithful from this city joined the Good Friday procession featuring antique carriages with images portraying the Passion of Christ organized by the San Sebastian Cathedral.
Monsignor Ronald Quijano’s homily on the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion emphasized: “To follow Christ is not to avoid suffering at all costs, but to transform suffering through love.”
He explained that learning is to forgive when it is difficult, to remain faithful when it is costly, to hope even when everything seems lost.
Quijano noted that “in moments of distress, in times of trial and pain, let us fix our gaze on the Lord Jesus, crucified and risen from the dead, and all things will fall into their proper place.”
The Seven Last Words (Siete Palabras) of Jesus at San Sebastian Cathedral drew people into silence, repentance, and love.
On Maundy Thursday, April 2, before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper presided by Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod, Quijano gave a rite of blessing to the people representing the 12 apostles, who were chosen for their service to the church and the community here.