THE VILLAREAL’S ST. MARY MAGADALENE’S ICON THROUGH THE YEARS..

HOLY WEEK or Semana Santa, a time when we are reminded of God’s sacrifice of his son and of his people, is a time of reflection and contemplation.

I grew up in the progressive town of Mambusao, Capiz. There our family was instilled with the teachings of the Catholic faith which included of course the highly anticipated annual observance of the passion and death of Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Our Family tradition centers on the icon of Saint Mary Magdalene who was handed from generations to generations since Spanish time to the descendants of the first cousin of Our fraternal grandmother – the late Maria “Bebe” Villareal Andaya-Seneres – the Outspoken Lolo Titong Villareal who inherited St. Mary Magdalene’s icon from his Father Don Ramon Villareal.

Every Holy Week, as far as I can remember I was tasked by Lolo Titong to help and assist in decorating St. Mary Magdalene’s Caro and her new gown for the grand procession.

When Lolo Titong passed away, his only son late Manong Dodoy Aquilles Villareal and wife Manang Baquet Ferrer-Villareal together with his sisters Manang Cythis Villareal-Matiasand her son Jojo Matias and family see to it that the occasion is observed religiously.

And when Manong Dodoy Aquilles Villareal passed away and Manang Baquet got sick, and with their Manila based son Vincent and the rest of their children based in the U.S. and Canada, they decided to hand over to me the full management, which included their decision to build a bigger and more grandiose Caro which surprised me.

Since most of the time I stay in Iloilo City, we decided to hand over the management to my nephew, Rizza dela Cruz-Almalbis  together with her brother Engr. Bharrel dela Cruz and their mother Aida Palomar Dela Cruz, wife of my fraternal first cousin, the late Cosme Señeres-dela Cruz.

With input from the newer generations, a grandiose caro (thanks to Engr. Dela Cruz) was built complete with sound system and a live Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Choir of Roxas City singing and leading in praying the Holy Rosary during the Good Friday procession. The ensemble was complete with an abundant array of foods and flowers decors made possible by the benevolence of family members.

This year, for the first time in history because of Covid-19, all Holy week activities were cancelled for the safety of everyone.

The times may be changing, but Semana Santa continues to keep our faith and our family ties closer to one another.

Only time can tell how long the tradition will be observed by future generations. But through the intercession of Saint Mary Magdalene our nurtured faith will continue to persevere.

God Bless us all in this time of global health upheaval!!!!

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