Carrying the burden on Good Friday

It took not only the strength of over 40 men to carry a huge wooden cross up to Mt. Tapochao but also the wits to pitch it in place on a rocky mound.

These men’s might, passion, and devotion every Good Friday highlighted yesterday’s observance of Holy Week in the CNMI, as they carried the cumbersome crucifix all the way up to the peak of the mountain.

Hundreds of people once again hiked to Saipan’s highest point early yesterday morning as part of the Lenten observance of Good Friday, the Roman Catholic tradition that remembers the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

As part of the yearly tradition, the trek was highlighted by the carrying of the huge wooden cross from Mt. Carmel Cathedral to the top of the mountain. The cross reached the base of the mountain at around 8am.

People started arriving in the area as early as 3:30am, with some observers avoiding the scorching heat of the sun in the morning, not to mention the large crowd at the peak. Some also hoped that the cross would again be carried up earlier in the morning because last year the cross reached the base of the mountain around 10am.

Before the procession up the mountain, Catholic volunteers read excerpts of the Passion of Christ. A brief ceremony was also held after the cross finally reached the top.

Top officials from various government agencies joined the Catholic faithful in walking up the mountain. The Office of the Governor and other government and private agencies provided free drinks and snacks to ease the pilgrims’ journey.

Community groups such as the United Filipino Organization, MDX Amateur Radio Club, MOVER, CNMI Power, Inc., and religious groups also helped in providing free refreshments.

Saipan appeared almost deserted earlier in the day, as major thoroughfares were empty, with most of the vehicles parked at the base of the mountain on Capitol Hill.

Men from the Department of Public Safety regulated the traffic going to the peak.

The Saipan Mayor’s Office assisted in the preparation, cleaning up the road leading to the summit and coordinating with DPS for the security and safety of the pilgrims.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who also joined in the observance, said he started the tradition of going up Mt. Tapochao on Good Friday when he was a little boy. He said the observance has been part of the island’s culture.

“I believe in observing Good Friday every year because it is the day for Catholics to observe the day when Jesus Christ died on the cross for us,” Tudela said.

The mayor said that every year, whenever he joins the observance up the mountain, he does not forget to pray for his family members, friends, and countrymen whose souls have already joined the Almighty.

The observance was also a reason for families and friends to strengthen their relationship and faith in God and with one another, especially during Lent.