Sibonga parish opens Holy Week with live presentation of Passion of Christ

CEBU, Philippines - In the hope to reignite the faith of its people, the parish in Sibonga town has opened the Holy Week with a live presentation of the Passion of Christ.

“Pinaagi ani’ng atong procession, ma-increase pa unta ang pagtoo ug paghigugma sa mga tawo ka’ng Kristo, and that this will hopefully increase the fervor of their faith in Him,” said Fr. Mike Hisoler of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Sibonga.

At least 13 floats each carrying a live presentation of the Stations of the Cross were paraded yesterday afternoon along major streets of the town.

Hisoler said the floats were sponsored by the barangays which also provided costumes and participants to the event, which the priest hopes to do every year.

Among the barangays which actively participated in the event were Poblacion, Kandagit, Sabang, Bahay, Bagakay, Lamakan and Bato.

Hisoler, who was installed as parish priest only in February, said it is always the “best time” of the year for the people to renew their faith in Jesus, hence he brought this live presentation of His sufferings.

Yesterday was the start of Hisoler’s move to renew the faith among the parishioners.

Starting today until Good Friday, at least five priests will hear confessions from 7 p.m. onwards at the Our Lady of the Pillar.

Last Friday, at least 3,000 parishioners were served by nine priests from the other parishes who were invited by Hisoler to their church to hear confessions.

The live presentation of Jesus’ sufferings is the first in Sibonga.

Hisoler first introduced the event in 1997 in Lutopan, Toledo City where he was assigned for 10 years.

It is still being practiced there until now.

Hisoler said he hopes the people of Sibonga will also continue to practice the event even after he is transferred to another parish.  (FREEMAN)