Of Pain and Sacrifice: Our Journey to the Heaven Within
Philippines, a deeply religious and predominantly Catholic nation, celebrates Holy Week – the Passion of Jesus Christ with fervor and solemnity.
It Includes the chanting of the Holy Book ( Pasyon), church rites, Bisita Iglesia, outdoor and indoor way of the cross , in a period of church – centred rites.
Cenakulo – A Contrast of Piety and Man’s Free Will Expression
By Dolly Castillo
In the religious sphere and spiritual Invocation, some subtle changes are noted, not to everyone’s liking or taste. Take the holy Week practices in a very devoted and expressive faith environment. Demonstrated piety can go to extremes of harming one’s body like flogging and carrying of a heavy cross . This stems from a deep seated belief in a complete repentance for sins committed by joining with Jesus Christ ‘s Passion, sacrifices and martyrdom.
Devotees willingly accept the physical punishments to purify their defaced souls.
This is the extreme way of repentance practiced by believers to wipe their sins.
On the other hand, if we go back to the sincere belief in God’s compassion and mercy, atoning for our sins is a great start and the resolution to sin no more.
We are humans and creatures of God, sometimes prone to sin and disobedience of God’s Commandments.
The dark and light figures of humanity as illustrated in this art
reveal the dark as sin overpowering what were once light normal people.
The redemptive factor is no matter the dark sin in each one, the presence of the supreme Cross is still in each one’s soul. There is hope that the innate goodness can be restored with acts of repentance and penance.
Ligaya Domingo
Ligaya is a Filipinx multi-disciplinary artist working across painting, performance, video, and photography. Her artistic experience lends her a unique perspective aimed at inspiring personal reflection and challenging societal norms.
With a passion for social justice, Ligaya’s involvement in art collectives and NGOs in the Philippines has shaped her art into a powerful tool for change, often reflecting her commitment to women’s rights, gender equality, culture and spirituality.
Now living in Calgary, AB, Ligaya, is on a personal journey of discovery, exploring themes of connection and home. As an immigrant, she documents her experience of leaving behind the familiar while finding belonging in a home. Through her art, she reflects on her ties to her roots and encourages others to embrace their own cultural identities.
Dolly Castillo
Dolly Punsalan Castillo is Calgary’s 4-decade community leader and volunteer in both Filipino, religious, and multicultural associations and groups.
A Filipina – Canadian for 50 years, her spirit and heart pulsate in both the rich and unique cultures of her heritage and adopted cultures through literary feature writings.
