Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Larantuka, East Flores | Sat, 04/03/2010 10:46 AM
More than 15,000 local and foreign pilgrims took part in a procession in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the peak celebration of the Semana Santa Holy Week in Larantuka Friday.
The holy procession, part of the rite’s 500th anniversary celebrations, began at Gonsalus beach, Rawido city, 3 kilometers from Larantuka.
They carried the casket of Tuan Manina, which the faithful believe to be the remains of Jesus Christ.
The parade began with a special prayer led by Larantuka bishops Mgr. Bernadus Kopong Kun, Bishop Emeritus Fatima Portugal and Mgr. Senhor D. Seraim.
Thousands of pilgrims were moved to tears. “I am very moved because the parade has lived on for five centuries amid a changing modern world. I’m convinced that every one attending the procession will be blessed and protected from the world’s dangers,” said Martinus Koten, a pilgrim from Papua.
The maritime procession was part of a series of celebrations during Holy Week, observed since the arrival of the Portuguese in Larantuka, 500 years ago.
Dignataries included Defense Minister Purnomomo Yusgiantoro, Portuguese Ambassador to Indonesia Carlos Manuel Leitao Frota, NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya.
A Good Friday procession followed, in which the casket of Tuan Manina or the Jesus Christ and the statue of Tuan Ma or the Virgin Mary were paraded through Larantuka.
The 7-kilometer procession was focused at the Tuan Ma and Tuan Ana chapels in Lohayong subdistrict and ended at Reinha Rosai Cathedral.
“Both statues are paraded around Larantuka before being returned to their respective chapels,” said Father Yoseph Naran Leni, the local parish pastor and the holy week’s organizing committee head
During White Thursday rites, the statues were taken out for cleansing. The water used is believed by many to have healing properties and bring blessings.
In Semarang, Central Java, archbishop Pius Riana Prapti delivered an Easter message, encouraging worshippers to not give up easily.
“People need to help one another,” said Pius Riana.
Good Friday rites center on the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christian tradition says Jesus was crucified and buried before his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Related story and photo Page 9
Suherjoko contributed to the story from Semarang, Central Java.
