Resucito

“As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” - 1 Corinthians 15:48. We kicked off the last blog with a similar verse; “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” - Gen 3:19 and it’s been a while but here we are again. In this Easter season we are reminded of this verse from Corinthians that yes, we are made from dust, but we were made from dust in the garden of Eden where we walked in unity with God. We were made for this perfect unity with God which we have been given the chance to obtain once again through the Passion of Christ on Good Friday of Holy Week and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Here in Benque we are reminded of this in a special way. They do NOT mess around when it comes to Holy Week or “Semana Santa”. From Palm Sunday to Good Friday there are processions through the streets of the town where andas (see pictures below) are carried commemorating the life and passion of Christ. People come from all over to take part in the various traditions. There is something beautiful but also sad about the participation because, much like holiday Mass attendance in the States, the number that participates does not come close to matching the number that participates in the life and sacrifice of Jesus throughout the rest of the year. Still, it brings hope and shows the roots of faith in Benque.

As a house we took part in many of the Semana Santa traditions. Attending the processions and aiding in carrying the andas, dying the sawdust for the alfombras (see below also) and even making one ourselves, and we got an hour assigned to us by the parish to spend with the Eucharist on the night of Holy Thursday where we remember Jesus’ words; “Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?” - Matthew 26:40.

Easter was full of joy as we attended the vigil Mass as a house. Easter Sunday we hosted many other young men from the local community over for an Easter brunch where we feasted after all the fasting. Of course I had to make my mom’s signature hash brown casserole. There are no pre-cut hash browns sold here so I had to shred some potatoes but honestly might just do that from now on cause it turned out pretty dang good. Ended the night with Holy Hour back at the church where Will, a missionary teacher at the high school, sang “How Great Thou Art” which is the only way to sum up how great of a gift this life is.

Had Easter week off of work so me and my good friend Mathew Morales, who graduated from JPII last year, packed our backpacks with some tuna, ramen, and some trail mix sent down from my high school cross country coach, coach Harber, hopped on Fr. Beau and Fr. Tony’s bikes and headed towards the mountains. We took this time as a retreat which was much needed and helped me grasp a better idea of the future of the Pio House which I am extremely excited for! Right now I’m working towards its future while making sure to stay present. I hope y’all continue to follow along and continue to help these young men and the future generations of young men in Benque through your prayers and generosity. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Dona Jean and I after the Easter Vigil Mass. Jean is the faithful parish sacristan who wakes up at 4am every morning without fail to prepare the church and attends at least two Masses daily where she will often lead the hymns with the parish cat Pinky on her lap. She is a spiritual abuela to me and several in Benque.

Gotta get creative when cooking on Fridays in Lent! Here's an attempt at satisfying that crave for a burger with a tuna patty.

Palm Sunday procession kicking off Semana Santa.

Some of the andas carried throughout the streets of Benque all throughout Semana Santa.

Some alfombras which are made the morning of Good Friday. They are made on the streets following the route of the procession the night of Good Friday so that we walk across the sawdust carpets carrying the anda. This is a beautiful central American tradition which originated from the Spanish and has been carried on for several generations. Ours is the one with the famous quote from our patron, Padre Pio "Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry". The lamb is the JPII student's and teacher's work. My favorite one was this Last Super which was the work of the Morales family.

"Via Cruics" or "The Way of the Cross". Live action reenactment of the Passion of Christ put on every Good Friday. Pio House member, Joey, got the pleasure of being crucified next to Christ as one of the thieves.

Biking out to Mountain Pine Ridge with Mathew. Big thanks again to coach Harber for nourishing us on the way!

Got to wrap up my coaching career at Mount Carmel High School at the national meet where our athletes competed with grit and heart. Track with an ocean view is a hard sight to beat!