La Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Men carrying the cross as we walked from station to station!

The final station of the cross

The activities of the week really started up on Thursday night when my host family and I headed to mass for the washing of the feet. The ceremony is very similar to what happens in my home parish. The only major difference was here instead of having everyone who wants go up to get their feet washed, 12 prominent parishioners (representing the 12 disciples) get their feet washed by the priests. After church was when activities that I am not accustomed to started. On Holy Thursday the tradition here is that people go to seven different churches for adoration. The number seven represents the seven grand trials Jesus suffered (i.e. getting a crown of ashes placed on his head, being whipped etc.). The décor that surrounds the tabernacles is gorgeous. Each church has their own way of decorating, but in every church there was this huge arch that was decorated with ribbon and lights and inside this arch was the tabernacle. This tradition is a big deal here and you could literally see one of those gray hound buses going from church to church dropping people off.

The First Station of the Cross inside the church!

            On Friday I was able to go to two different Stations of the Cross ceremonies. Both of them were very similar in regards to what happened. The first station of the cross is actually held inside the church. After this, the congregation then files outside of the church and makes a big loop around the church going from house to house. The owners of various houses volunteer to make one of the Stations of the Cross right outside their front door. Every station is obviously different, but all stations had a picture and some type of flower. As you walk from station to station, different members of the congregation take turns holding the actual large cross.  (Laura, my host mom, and I all helped carry the cross from station 4 to station 5). You sing and pray as you walk. You start out by praying the "Our Father" then the "Hail Mary" and finally the "Glory Be." When this is over you sing until you reach the house. Upon reaching the house, the priest takes out the incense and spreads it all over the cross. He explains what station it is and what happened. You then say the "Our Father" "Hail Holy Queen" "Hail Mary" and "Glory Be." and pray for something or someone. For example, one time we prayed for all people that have committed themselves to the religious life. Another time we prayed for all young men and women and children that they may live out a Christian life etc. Next, you pray for the people who made the station and then you are sent on your way. The 14th station is held right outside the church. There, they put the cross that Jesus is on inside the tomb and shut the tomb with a rock. The congregation then flows back into the church which is completely dark for part two of the ceremony.

There is not really a good translation for the title of this ceremony in English. Basically, it translates to the vigilance in the dark. The entire church is dark because it represents that Jesus has died. At the center of the altar is a candle holder with 9 candles. 5 lectures are read from the Old Testament that predict what is to come. (people will sin, make fun of others etc.) Each time after a lecture is read, two candles are blown out. Then, you sit in silence and pray for as long as you desire until you are ready to leave. 

The Easter Vigil mass on Saturday and then the Resurrection mass on Sunday was very similar to what happens in the U.S. Besides these religious activities, I really enjoyed my Easter break!!! What I find really odd here is that Friday is the really big celebration day here. On Friday is when all the shops are closed and everyone has gone away from Lima to celebrate. Then on Saturday the shops open up again and school is even held as usual.

Hugo is a true Peruvian! (Even though he is eating American
food he still cuts everything up into little pieces!)

My other happenings of the week included some good American cooking. :) Thursday night the gang headed over to Derek’s house to cook some American breakfast! We then had fun that night playing charades and telephone. For lunch on Friday my host family and I headed to San Bartolo and then after eating we went down to the uncle’s beach house. I really enjoyed sitting and conversing with the family! On Sunday I was able to talk with my aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and parents via Skype. It was really fun being able to see them especially since I was feeling a little homesick!

I am sad to say it, but my time here in Lima is coming to an end. Yesterday officially started dead week. I am doing my best to live in the present and live out my final days here in Lima to the fullest. I am beyond grateful to have had this AMAZING experience and am thankful for all those who encouraged me to come!

Happy Easter from the Flores family in Peru! :)

Abrazos y besitos!

Mary