Good Friday in Makati
In the heart of the bustling metropolis of Makati, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, lies a hidden sanctuary of faith that comes alive every Good Friday – the solemn processions that wind through its urban landscape. Here, amidst the modernity of the city, echoes of ancient traditions resound, as devout Catholics gather to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Good Friday procession in Makati begins as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city streets. Amidst the cacophony of traffic and the hum of urban life, a solemn hush descends as the faithful assemble outside the doors of the centuries-old Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.
Leading the procession is a magnificent carroza bearing the image of the suffering Christ, its intricate details illuminated by flickering candles. Behind it, a throng of devotees follows, their footsteps echoing off the pavement as they make their way through the heart of Makati.
As the procession winds its way through the streets of Makati, the air is filled with the haunting strains of hymns and prayers. Incense drifts through the crowd, mingling with the scent of traffic exhaust and the rustle of palm fronds. Along the route, bystanders pause to watch in respectful silence, some offering prayers of their own, others simply bearing witness to the devotion of their fellow citizens.
At key points along the procession route, the faithful pause to meditate on the Stations of the Cross, each one marked by a simple wooden cross adorned with a flickering candle. Here, amidst the concrete jungle of Makati, a sacred stillness descends, as devotees kneel in prayer before each station, reflecting on the significance of Christ's sacrifice for humanity.
Finally, as the procession returns to Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Juan and his fellow devotees gather in front of the church to venerate the Santo Entierro – a life-sized image of the dead Christ. With tears in their eyes and love in their hearts, they approach the image, kissing its feet and offering prayers of gratitude for the gift of redemption.
As the night falls over Makati and the crowds disperse, my spirit was uplifted by the profound experience of the Good Friday procession.