Prusisyon

A Journey to and from God

Prusisyon or procession is one of the traditional activities done by Catholics during Holy
Week. Since I was the youngest child among my maternal cousins, I was often dragged off by my
aunts during holidays to participate in church activities; prusisyon is one of them. We would
usually watch the image of saints leaving the church one by one, then follow Santa Maria Jacobe
(which is owned by my mothers cousin) and join the group of people behind her. As a child I was
often intrigued and fascinated by the imposing images, elaborately designed and dressed for the
occasion. I liked watching Santa Maria Veronica holding her handkerchief with the impression of
Jesus face in blood, as well as playing with the candle that we use to light the saints image.
There are various beliefs as to why prusisyon is done. People consider it as a way of
praising and showing devotion to God. Others believe that this would help them get closer to God
spiritually and that it would help their prayers reach Him. My parents consider procession as a way
of remembering the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ for humankind. However, since the activity
was already widespread, some people participate because others do it with no idea why such
practice was done.
Catholics Fortress (2014) stated that procession, as we Filipinos know it, came from Spain.
It is a symbol of pilgrimage, of our earthly journey to God. The manner in which the procession
starts and ends at the church mirrors our (spiritual) journey. Our lives came from and would come
back to Him. Other saints are present in the procession as our prayer companions in our life.
According to my aunts, not much had changed in the structure of processions throughout
the years. The grandeur of the procession, apparently, depends upon the parish priests. Apart from
that, the procession nowadays was done how it was always done beforewith splendor and
devotion from the participants.

Reference:
Catholic Fortress. (2014, April 17). Catholics Know the Answer [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from:
https://www.facebook.com/thecatholicfortress/videos/771142639572283/