It was a very sunny morning. I was watching a cartoon show in a local television channel. I was enjoying myself, when the phone rang. I picked it up and the caller was Kuya Rey. He said that our trip to Paete, Laguna will be again moved to next week. But, he also said that we will go to Antipolo Church, because there will be a procession there in the afternoon. After we hang up, I asked my father if I can go. At first, he said no. Feeling disappointed, I went down and continued watching the show I left.
After a few minutes, my father called. I thought he was just going to ask me about something. But when I got to his room, he said that I can go to Antipolo. Happy as I am, I charged my cellphone and the batteries of my camera. This, being my first time to go there, I knew I would take a lot of pictures for souvenirs.
After awhile, Kuya Rey called again. Saying that I am given permission to go there, he would fetch me later at around one o'clock. I prepared my things and waited for him to come. At around 1:20, he texted me that he was already close. So, I got up and met with him outside.
We reached Antipolo Church at around three o'clock. We viewed the images in the church before meeting up with Marc.
Marc, a seminarian friend, met with us behind the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as Our Lady of Antipolo. We went inside the room of the recamadera (the caretaker of the image) and saw an image of Our lady of Antipolo.
Without the caretaker knowing, we took pictures of the image. Then, she caught us in the act, exactly after the flash of my camera. Marc said "Ma'am, we'll take pictures..." but the caretaker said "You are already taking pictures." in a humorous manner.
Then she said that the image that we were touching and taking pictures with, is the original image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. We were a bit shocked, knowing that the very historical image of the Virgin is right in front of us!
But it was very nice. After all, not a lot of people can see the image up close. And not a lot of people know that since 1:00 that afternoon, the image in the main altar is already a replica.
After a few talks, we went down to hear the mass and to wait for the procession of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage after the mass. After the mass, the image in the main alter (replica) was brought down to be put in her float and to be processioned around the church area.
During the procession, the participants also prayed the Rosary, led by women under the float of the Virgin. In every corner turn, the image is being incensed by sacristans.
After the procession, the image is returned inside the church.
We ate dinner at a fastfood nearby. After eating we returned to the church to check wether what image is placed in the main altar. The image placed in the main altar is the original and the replica is set to go to another place the following day.
Truly, a very unexpected but a very wonderful journey this was.
Viva! Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buen Viaje!
