Hundreds brave rain in Tapochau trek

Hundreds of Catholic devotees braved the heavy rain yesterday morning to climb Mt. Tapochau as part of a Good Friday tradition that has been practiced on Saipan for over 31 years now.

Scores of people began trekking up Saipan’s highest peak as early as 2am and the numbers just kept going up as the day wore on, culminating with the carrying of a giant cross from the foot of Mt. Tapochau to the top. The cross was first blessed at Mt. Carmel Church before being brought to the foot of the mountain.

It took at least 40 brave men to carry the huge wooden cross up Mt. Tapochau and pitch it in place on a rocky mound. The moment the cross was finally in place, the heavens opened up with a heavy shower of rain.

A brief ceremony was then held, where Catholic volunteers read excerpts of the Passion of Christ, while some sang holy rosary songs on their hike up.

Participants in yesterday Good Friday trek came from all walks of life: men, women, and children, Chamorros, Carolinians, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, and Bangladeshis, just to name a few.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who also joined the trek, said he has been hiking up the mountain every year since he was a little boy.

“I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. It’s a tradition that I hope to follow for a very long time,” Tudela said.

Tudela, despite fuel problems at his office, had his men prepare the road leading up the mountain for yesterday’s trek.

For some, Good Friday is a day of reconciliation and celebration.

According to Saipan resident Joy Jalipa, she said that yesterday was the very first time she has ever hiked up the mountain. “It’s my very first time up here and it’s the perfect time to pray for my sins and ask for forgiveness,” Jalipa said.

Sabina Camacho, a mother of two, said that Good Friday allows her to look back and appreciate all the things she has in life.

“My family, and especially my children, is [sic] what I am most thankful for,” she said.

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.

Government and community groups manned several booths alongside the pathway, providing free beverages and lights snacks for the trekkers’ journey up the hill.

As a part of the Lenten observance of Good Friday, a wooden cross now sits atop the Mt. Tapochau to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.