By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay
In SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique, the Cathedral of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) or the Philippine Independent Church, located in the Municipality of Sibalom, highlights predominantly female saints during their Lenten religious procession, symbolizing their profound dedication to ministry.
Bishop Leon Estrella remarked on Thursday, ‘If we observe the procession, we notice a predominance of female figures over male, as women faithfully accompanied Jesus to the foot of the cross.’
He emphasized that women were present to witness Jesus’s miracles, stood by Him during His crucifixion, and were instrumental in spreading the message of His resurrection.
Jesus also paid attention to women, the sick, and the poor to give them hope and preach the good news of salvation.
“The coming out of the images is not for the sake of procession, but it is proclaiming the gospel,” Estrella said.
Around 14 of the 53 saint images of the IFI are women, including Mother Mary, St. Susana, St. Veronica, St. Jacobe, St. Salome, St. Martha, St. Mary of Bethany, and St. Mary Magdalene.
“Century-old images are also of St. Cleofe and St. Jacobe,” Estrella said.
Women saints are also in their 21 tableaus, including when Jesus performed his first miracle at the wedding in Cana and his raising of the daughter of Jairus from the dead, and Jesus and the women of Jerusalem.
They also have saints similar to those of the Roman Catholic church that they identified based on the roles they portrayed in the Bible.
He said women’s role in proclaiming the gospel is also recognized.
“Women up to this time are taking an active role in helping prepare the church and their images because of their strong commitment,” Estrella said.
He said image owners are willing to spend preparing for the procession, garments, and flowers as their way of thanksgiving.
In addition to women saints, giveaways during the Good Friday procession also serve as come on for pilgrims.
“Image owners have with them ready food and other giveaways for the people that is unique for the IFI Diocese,” he said.
The occasion keeps families intact because the images are reminders of their roots and heritage. Family members make it a point to come home during Lent. (PNA)
