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Bishop encourages Catholic faithful to join trek to Tapochao
All firm believers of the death of Jesus Christ are encouraged to join the annual Good Friday tradition of hiking up the highest peak on island to remember the death of Christ on the cross this morning.
The trek up Mt. Tapochao has been done for many years. Each year on Good Friday, one parish is designated to take the lead in the hike up Mount Tapochao. Last year, the parish that was chosen was the San Vicente Parish. This year, the designated parish to lead the hike will be the St. Jude Parish located in Koblerville.
The journey, according to Bishop Ryan Jimenez, starts at this year’s designated parish after the cross is acquired from the Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.
Devotees will carry the 30-foot cross to the peak of Mount Tapochao
According to Jimenez, the cross will be taken from Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Cathedral at around 4:30am and participants of the hike will start the journey to Mt. Tapochao. After the cross is brought to the peak of the mountain, it will be mounted.
Jimenez explained that the purpose of the event is for believers to meditate and reflect upon the love and passion of Christ. “The way of the cross is the way of love and how Jesus suffered for his love. It’s a way of meditation and a way for us to make an act of sacrifice,” said Jimenez.
Followed by the trek up Mount Tapochao, there will be a mass on Easter Sunday at the peak.
The most excited for the trek, according to Jimenez, is the Youth of St. Jude. “…they are very excited to be taking the lead,” he said.
The trek up Mt. Tapochao is the most attended event of the Catholic Church. Hundreds of people join each year. The event isn’t only for Catholics; it is open to all who wish to celebrate the passion of Christ, enjoy solidarity with others, or just to socialize.
