FROM the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to the Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City jails, the annual “Siete Palabras” or Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ was commemorated by Cebuano faithful last Good Friday.
Priests from various religious orders gave homilies on social and political issues of the day, inspired by Christ’s last statements as he lay dying on the cross.
Fr. Emilio Larlar Jr., OAR of the Augustinian Recollects), Vice president of the Administration of University of San Jose – Recoletos said Christ’s words, “Forgive your enemies and pray for the sinners” was epitomized by the Pope John Paul II who forgave his assassin.
Fr. Emerardo M. Maningo of the Redemptorists, spoke about the the advocacy of Pope Francis to give time and care for the poor.
“We cannot learn the real meaning of catechism if we do not know help and perform charity to the poor people,” he said.
At the Mandue City Jail, inmates performed their version of “Siete Palabras” with a reenactment of the crucifixion.
Arjay Buenavista, a 28-year-old inmate charged with murder, portrayed Jesus.
“I felt the sacrifice of Jesus. If I get convicted, I’m ready to serve the penalty of my offense,” he said in Cebuano.
Metchimar Pasaje, a 30-year-old inmate charged with drug pushing, played Mary the mother of Jesus.
“The play keeps us from boredom and helps encourage us to change our lives,” she said.
Last Wednesday, Mandaue City Jail inmates watched a video about the life of Jesus Christ and prayed the Stations of the Cross at their rooftop basketball court.
Black Saturday was a rest and family day for all inmates.
A memorandum from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) prohibited inmates from being nailed on the cross or whipping themselves as penance.
In Lapu-Lapu City Jail, inmates also held their “Siete Palabras” together with jail officers.
Lapu-Lapu City Jail Warden Jonah Roiles said male and female inmates have separate venues for their Stations of the Cross. Correspondents Michelle Joy L. Padayhag and Norman V. Mendoza