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Hundreds to join Tapochao trek
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Posted on Apr 13 2001
More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus carried his own cross as he went to the place of skull which is also called Golgotha. The soldiers crucified Him there with two others — one on each side.
Today, many penitents around the world will re-live the memory of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
Devout Catholics in the CNMI will carry their own cross from the Capitol Hill to the Mt. Tapochao as they did several years ago.
Although some of them will have themselves tied on the cross for hours, many who are expected to troop Saipan’s highest peak earlier than the break of dawn will be there primarily to reflect and offer prayers.
The Mt. Tapochao trek every Good Friday has become one of the most popular modern traditions on Saipan, participated in by both local and foreign residents. The yearly trek to the island’s highest point never fails to draw huge crowd, especially from among the Commonwealth’s younger residents.
In order to assure the penitents’ safety, the CNMI government is deploying police officers and first aid teams to the vicinity to provide security and other essential medical services.
Department of Public Safety personnel will be deployed in strategic posts to respond to emergencies while American Red Cross Volunteers will also be dispatched to assist in the provision of first aid services.
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said the First Lady’s Vision and other private organizations and individuals have prepared to provide devotees who will join the trek to Mt. Tapochao with food and refreshments.
While he regrets not being able to join devotees in Mt. Tapochao, Mr. Tenorio said Good Friday offers him, along with other Catholic believers, a better time to reflect and realize what Jesus had died for. (ARF)
