By: Telly Gonzaga-Ocampo
Our holy week tradition
Baclayon is the cradle of Christianity in Bohol. The two Jesuit priests who landed on our shores in 1595, moved upstream to Loboc due to the Muslim marauders.
But the parishioners in Baclayon, remained steadfast in keeping the legacy of faith. One of the proofs of their deep faith was manifiested by old families who treasured the different relics of the Santos entrusted to them.
Passing by Baclayon going to the east, one can see ancestral houses along the way. These are ancestral houses whose owners took care of the Santos for generations. Indeed, the role of caretaker of the Santos has been passed on from one generation to another until now.
Most ancestral houses have their own Santos to keep through several generations: the Malons for their San Juan, cuaresmas, Santa Maria Magdalena; the Villamors for their Dr. Jesus De La Huerta, and Senyor Jesus Nazareno pssed on to the Tan Akoy Iyog Villamor; and Santa Veronica to the Villamor Valeroso clan.
These are the five Santos with the Villamor encargados. As we all know, Padre Juan Talaid Villamor was the first Filipino parish priest when the frayles left.
Senyor Jesus de Paciencia is with the Ayaay family and Senyor Jesus de Columnas is with the Realista-Buhion families. Thereafter, we have the Tres Maria’s: Salome, Cleofe and Martha. San Pedro and the Dolorosa are with the Caballo families.
Most of us now who are administering and keeping the icons belong to the 5th generation. This role of keeping the Santos bond the families together.
Today, there are already 37 carrozas. These are the Santos play specific roles in the observance of the Passion of Christ. We know who they are because of the symbols they carry. I can never forget Sta Martha, because of the fruits she carries, Salome for her broom and Cleofe for the incense. They have their own story to tell. They are the sisters of Lazarus. Their stories were part of the bedtime tales of my grandmother.
By the way, February 25 is a date to commemorate and celebrate – the bloodless revolution in 1986. Words are never enough to define the feelings of liberation from fear of suppression in several forms. But it was short-lived. After 40 years, is there still hope?
February 25 is the 60th birthday of my nephew Andy Jayag Oppus Uy. This nephew of mine sends me messages of good tidings to make my day. He is the keeper of death anniversaries in our family: He belongs to the 5th generation from Tan Akoy. We are forever grateful that we still keep the memories of our ancestors and treasure the legacy bequeathed to us. It’s not on material wealth but on our religious faith.
Happy birthday Andy!!! Here’s hoping for the spirit of Edsa to live in our hearts.
