MEKENILAND: 14. FAITH GROWS, TROY GROWS

Thursday, March 14, 2013

14. FAITH GROWS, TROY GROWS

Our antique Mater Dolorosa is the center of our family's veneration, commissioned in 2002 to honor the memory of our father, Gerardo M. Castro Jr., who passed away in 1998. The antique head, from the workshop of Makati santero, Mr. Francisco "Kiko" Vecin, was outfiited with a vintage wooden body and two sets of hands. It first joined the 2004 Good Friday (9 April) procession of the San Rafael Parish, in Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat, Pampanga and has since regularly participated in our town's "Maleldo" (Mahal na Araw) traditions. We have documented our Dolorosa's annual participations through these pictures.

My nephew, Trojan Angelo Castro or Troy also has his official picture taken with the Virgen every year. When, for some reason, that is not possible, we take a separate shot of Troy and superimpose his image on that of the Dolorosa's, through computer magic. These pictures have become conversation pieces as it is amazing how both he, and our faith--have grown through the years.

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