The Procession of the images of saints, martyrs and other people involved in the narrative of our Lord Jesus Christ has been a tradition for the Catholic Community through the ages. This is one of the ways to commemorate the story of their encounter with God and their noble acts to propagate the Gospel or the teachings of the Church. The act of procession of the images has been done during feasts, commemoration activities and other Church related celebrations.
This Holy Wednesday, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu (DPNSDA) procession 68 images of the people who had a faithful encounter with Christ and also the significant scenes before and during his passion. This procession aims to enlighten the minds of the devotees about the importance of such people in shaping the narrative of the passion of the Christ.
Exhibiting a new detail in Christ’s Passion
Though most of us are aware of the images of Christ carrying his cross, Gran Poder or the image of our Lord Jesus Christ accepting and carrying the cross is a new scene for us to see.
Last March 2018, the image of Gran Poder owned by Francisco Blanco was introduced and was processioned during the Lenten Season in Aranzazu Parish.
On an interview with Blanco, he shared the journey before settling to be the owner of the image of Gran Poder.
“Bale this image was offered by Mr. Randy Florencio…The first offer is Pagharap kay Kaipas pero hindi natuloy… the second offer is Pagtatwa ni San Pedro. Now this is the third. I think this is mine. Siguro ipinagkaloob bececause Gran Poder is a great power ibig sabihin He’s The Most Powerful,” Blanco said.
The image of Gran Poder popularly known as El Señor del Gran Poder in Spain and Bolivia and Blanco’s image of Gran Poder is the only known replica in San Mateo, Rizal. (Flint Gorospe)
