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Good Friday trek cancelled anew
The annual pilgrimage to the highest point of Saipan, Mount Tapochau, as part of the Good Friday tradition has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Bishop Ryan P. Jimenez, the Good Friday stations of the cross to Mt. Tapochao won’t be happening this year—just like last year. The procession in Chalan Kanoa on Good Friday will not be observed as well.
He added that holy Masses for the Sacred Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil—will all take place in all parishes/churches on Saipan.
Many Catholic devotees walk to the top of Mount Tapochau every Good Friday in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s journey before his crucifixion.
“For obvious reasons, unfortunately we will not be able to proceed with the walk up Mt. Tapochau this year due to the pandemic. Until things clear up, it is hard to say when we’ll be able to,” said Rev. Fr. Jason Granado, rector/pastor of Mount Carmel Cathedral and San Jose Parish.
In addition to this, the “Sunrise Mass” on Easter Sunday, which is also regularly held on Mount Tapochau has also been cancelled this year, according to the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
