CEBU, Philippines - A signature campaign has been initiated in Minglanilla town to return to the traditional ways of holding the "Sugat sa Kabanhawan" on Easter Sunday.
The campaign specifically aims to discontinue the disco at the "Sugat" venue and to bring the event back to the front of the church. The "Sugat" has been held at the town's sports complex in recent years.
"Kaming mga parokyano sa Archdiocesan Shrine sa Putli nga Kasingkasing ni Maria dili uyon nga adunay disco sa lugar nga ipahigayon ang balaanong Sugat. Nagkauyon usab kami nga sama sa naandan, ibalik atubangan sa simbahan ang maong sugat aron mapahaom gayod ang mga liturhiya sa simbahan," reads the signature sheet at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine.
During a Mass at the shrine yesterday, Rev. Fr. Arnie Visitacion, STL read to parishioners the text of the campaign, which he said, was formulated together with lay ministers during the Lenten recollection.
At the bottom of the signature sheet are the names of Visitacion, Rev. Fr. Leo Cabahug, Rev. Fr. Renato Senining, Rev. Fr. Arturo Bornia, and Rev. Fr. Miguel Abangan. It appears that the church officials will affix their signature once a substantial number of signatures from parishioners is gathered.
The signature sheet does not indicate the reason(s) for the campaign but Visitacion mentioned during the mass that the disco prior to the "Sugat" often end up with people drunk who reportedly cause trouble during the "Sugat" itself. Also, it has been observed that many young people display undesirable acts such as public display of affection during the "Sugat", which interferes with the solemnity of the event.
Minglanilla is dubbed as the "Sugat Capital of the South" because of its grand staging of the event.
The "Sugat" is held every Sunday dawn to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Part of the event is the reenactment of the meeting of the risen Christ and the sorrowful Mother.
The FREEMAN tried to get a statement from Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña yesterday but to no avail. (FREEMAN)