It’s Lenten Season again. As we approach the Holy Week, churches are now filled with people who are hoping to feel His presence. Kumpisalang Bayan and Processions are now back to help us reflect and repent during this season. But the commemoration of Lent is incomplete without the dramatic depiction of trial, suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
Tanghalang Aranzazu, a community theater group in San Mateo, will stage the greatest story ever told, dubbed this year as Senakulo 2023: Kaibigan. Rizaleños are again yet to witness this live narration of how Jesus sacrificed his own life to fulfill God’s plan.
Kaibigan 2023 will showcase not only the agony, death, and resurrection of Jesus but also gives an understanding why it is entitled Kaibigan. A near-human presentation of Jesus, aside from being a teacher and a savior, He is, and will always be a kaibigan (friend).
A jukebox musical wherein majority of the songs are well-known, this Senakulo 2023 features the songs of Hangad like Paghahandog, Hesus ng Aking Buhay, and Pagkakaibigan. Parishioners are invited to sing along with the characters, making them part of the entire presentation, animating the usual liturgical songs, and simulating communal participation during Holy Mass.
Mounting this musical “takes a village”, Senakulo 2023 is a fruit of abstinence, reflection, and hard work of more than 150 parishioners coming from the different parish ministries – Youth, Music, Worship, and Evangelization, to name a few. Indeed, a collective effort from the Aranzazu community who are gifted to breath life to the Gospel.
Join us in witnessing the re-staging of Senakulo 2023: Kaibigan this April 2 and 4. Everyone is welcome to watch it for free at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu (DSPNSDA) Patio, 7 pm.
Let us all participate and reflect as a community through this Senakulo 2023. Caritas Christi, Urget Nos! (Joice Pecson)
