Pasos exhibit

Today, Maunday Thursday, the mood throughout the Christian world is somber, solemn and spiritual, as we commemorate the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, when Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem amid a huge crowd waving palms!

These vivid and lifelike scenes are displayed at the Pasos - A Lenten Tradition exhibit now ongoing at the Archdiocesan Museum, beside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

With Msgr. Ruben Labajo, rector of the Cathedral, blessing the icons and noted iconographer and collector Louie Nacorda, leading the guests, the poignant displays and tableaux unfolded.

Dramatically, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary came alive: The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, The Crowning with Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross towards Golgotha and the excruciating Crucifixion and Death on the Cross. Also very much part of the painful journey were the beloved characters along the way: Mary Magdalene, Veronica with her miraculous veil, St. John the Beloved Apostle, Simon of Cyrene, Mater Dolorosa (The Grieving Mother) and the Weeping Women of Jerusalem.

The exhibit is open to the public and will run till April 30, except on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. It will resume on Easter Monday, April 17, at 1 p.m., with the following museum hours: 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

For a soul-searching renewal of faith, and a share in Christ’s sorrowful journey, drop by Pasos. The experience is uplifting!

GLORIOUS. A glorious resurrected Christ arose on the third day, accompanied by angels. This is the feast of Easter Sunday.

BLESSING. Personalities at the blessing of the event are (from left) Fr. Dennis Ruiz, OAD, Dr. Ado Macaraya, Ben Chua, Msgr. Ruben Labajo, collector Louie Nacorda and Fr. Brian Brigoli.

CROWN. With a crown of thorns on His head, Jesus is led to His place of crucifixion by a Roman centurion, amid mockery from the crowd.

CROSS. His body bleeding and exhausted, Christ carries His cross.

GREIVING. Jesus dies on the cross, surrounded by His grieving Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene.

GUESTS. The blessing was performed by Msgr. Ruben Labajo (third from left), with guests Inday Mae Mendoza and Chona Bernad.

TRIO. Museum director Rev. Fr. Brian Brigoli, Ben Chua and Msgr. Ruben Labajo.

ICON. Lifelike icons depicting The Crowning of Jesus Christ with thorns by the centurion.

SORROW. A bleeding Christ is Scourged at the Pillar.