This year's Pistang Viatico fell on April 15. The "Pistang Viatico" is third of seven "Lupi", which means to fold the novena then celebrate and resume the novena for the next lupi. It falls on the second Wednesday after Easter Sunday.
My first turumba was also during the Viatico, that was in 2013. After two years, it felt great to be back in Pakil. The atmosphere was really festive. Families come from all over Laguna and the neighboring area to fulfill their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pistang Viatico is actually a three-day event, which culminates on the third day with the procession.
Rising early was really a challenge for me. I had a sleepless night due to my excitement and I was really sleepy during the trip. We took the 5:00 a.m. bus trip from DLTB Buendia bound for Sta. Cruz, and we arrived at around 7:30 a.m. then we had breakfast in Pagsanjan while waiting for another companion. We rode the jeep bound for Siniloan then alighted in Pakil. The short distance from the main road to the church became an agonizingly slow pace for the area was really crowded and the risks of being robbed were high.
We waited for the others in the convent and attended the Mass. When the succeeding mass presided by the bishop began, we went out to find a place from where we would shoot.
The crowd was overwhelming. The pressure was so strong that you have to be firm in your position, otherwise you would lose your balance. We remained firm in stance, and steadfast in faith and spirit. And at last, there she came, carried by her beloved children. She passed by us twice. In the latter, I was able to snap a shot as she enters the church. Another lupi has ended, another begins.
Viva Nuestra Señora delos Dolores de Turumba!
SA BIRHEN!
No comments:
Post a Comment