Wet weather doesn’t stop Good Friday trekkers

A large wooden cross prepared by the Catholic parish of San Roque is brought up Mt. Tapochau by devotees last Good Friday. (Photos by CHRYSTAL MARINO)

Last Friday’s terrible weather was no match to the devotion of  hundreds who pushed ahead with the CNMI’s annual Good Friday tradition and gathered early on April 7, 2023 for the arduous trek up Saipan’s highest point, Mount Tapochau.

This time, though, devotees who brought a large wooden cross to the mountain’s peak did not to press ahead with installing the cross at the top, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure everyone’s safety amid the wet and slippery conditions.

As per tradition, a Catholic church on Saipan had a turn in providing the wooden cross for the event, with several individuals carrying the cross up the mountain in symbolism and to commemorate the historic walk of Jesus Christ to His crucifixion. This year, the Catholic parish of San Roque, led by Fr. Sid Ogumoro, provided the cross and benediction for the trek.

With the bad weather blanketing the mountain in a thick fog and cold rain showers, Mt. Tapochau’s dusty road quickly turned into a challenging and slippery mud mess for trekkers, especially for those carrying the large cross.

Devotees pose for a commemorative photo with the wooden cross at the base of Mt. Tapochau last Good Friday.

Despite the terrible weather hundreds of individuals showed their devotion and perseverance while making the trek up Mt. Tapochau last Good Friday.

Private companies, organizations, and the offices of the governor and mayor provided food for devotees along the trek up Mt. Tapochau last Good Friday.

But despite the weather, devotion proved strong, and many, including families with small children, pushed through. Those carrying the cross reached the peak around 6:30am, an hour after its arrival at the base of the trail.

As a safety precaution, the cross was not raised at that time due to the harsh weather conditions, but Ogumoro was able to lead those gathered in a blessing. He later said he believes that the carrying of the cross itself to the mountain’s peak is good penance and that, although some individuals came for the exercise, many also make the trek for their spiritual wellbeing.

“The cross is a living reminder for us of what happened on Good Friday. …We’ll continue to pray because the world now is kind of chaotic, so a part of our journey throughout this Lent season is to continue to pray, and I’m sure a lot of people have done that…,” he said.

Many individuals echoed the same sentiments. Saipan residents JoeAnn Ilemeilam, Kierah Lee, and Maile Lomongo shared that the trek was not only an enjoyable experience but also a time to spiritually reflect on what Christ went through. “I see it in a way that we kind of get to experience what He went through…,” said Lomongo.

Lean Espiritu Santo from Kagman noted that her trek “…really got me to think about things like God and stuff.”

One of those who carried the cross was Rep. Angelo Camacho and he described the journey as a “blessing and honor” and shares that he believes this tradition will continue for many years to come. “As a matter of fact, this is the first time I took both of my daughters out and they really enjoyed it and I encourage all parents to do the same just to kind of keep the faith strong,” he added.

Rep. John Sablan said that he and his family had participated in this tradition for over 40 years and each is a time when they reflect on the passion of Christ and look forward for Easter. “I’m very happy that, despite the rainy weather, we still have a lot of people walking up Mt. Tapochau and showing their devotion…and so I wish them the best,” he stated.

As per past practice, some organizations were handing out food and water to the trekkers. Among them was Kagman resident Emily Rose Santos-Bernardo, who said her parents and their friends had made a promise to each other that they would feed those who make the trip up each Good Friday.

“I think it’s tradition already for everybody, especially for Catholics, and those who believe in Jesus. I think the importance is keeping the tradition and passing it on to…the little kids,” Bernardo said.

For most individuals, the trek had a spiritual meaning, but there were also those who considered the hike as recreational, whether to exercise or just to make memories with family and friends, together with those participating for religious purposes.