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An angel for Easter

The commemoration of the resurrection of Christ has always been a momentous feast for many.

Attending the church during Easter became her favorite feast. Every morning on Easter Sunday, her mother would wake her up. She would help her put on her little white dress, glittering and gleaming with its shiny beads, paired with white, knee-high lace socks and a pair of new white shoes. Afterwards, she would put up her “wings” made of bird feathers, looking soft and smooth to the touch. Then she would put on her halo, looking like a real angel.

Indeed, a marvelous preparation is made in their church (Iglesia Filipina Indipendiente), in a small town in Banna, Ilocos Norte. As Pope Leo I calls it, Easter Sunday is the greatest feast and that Christmas is celebrated only in preparation for Easter. In all sense of the word, their church do the best of things to honor Jesus Christ with the utmost sincerity and endless appreciation. They devote more time for spiritual reflections, worship services and various observances.

The feast of the resurrection was observed with great solemnity. The feast would always begin with a long procession in the morning, announcing that Jesus Christ has finally risen from the dead. Those little angels would march with unwearied looks, singing praises for Jesus.

After the procession, those excited little angels would arrange themselves in an orderly manner, on a high platform, preparing themselves to sing praises for Jesus Christ. As if they are shouting a new meaning for lives of many people. That darkness has gone and that a new sun is shining through them. Audience would gladly sing with the angels up, feeling that Jesus is watching over them. After which, one of the angels would remove the “manto” of Mary, symbolizing that no one shall weep because Jesus Christ had risen for us. The other angels then would decant flowers down signifying that Jesus is truly alive.

Celebration of Easter Sunday in their church is full of symbolism. An image of the hanged Judas made of hay is burned in a blazing fire. They burn it as a punishment as he betrayed Jesus Christ.

It had always been an honor for the litle child to be part of the feast. This has continued until now. However, not anymore as an angel. She is now a grown up lady, who is now more aware of what Easter Sunday is really for.

Regrettable to say, she had missed the Easter Mass in their church this year because she is on her On the Job Training in Baguio City. Moreover, she had not forgotten to commemorate Christ, for she had witnessed how solemn it is to spend the Holy Week in Baguio. # Rizzle Dianne Mateo/MMSU Intern for NORDIS

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