“God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for him and find, though he is not far from each one of us.” - ACTS 17:24-27
I could not wait for Holy Week break to start because this is the time of the year where I get to spend time with my family and friends and of course, God. This may also be the best time to take a pause and reflect on what’s happening in my crazy life. Unlike my friends who went out of town and spent their time on beautiful beaches, holy week for me was quite simple and ordinary yet a fulfilling one. One of the most fulfilling part of it would be the station of the cross that my family went to, at Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City last Good Friday. While other malls were closed for the holy week, Bonifacio High Street was able to be one step ahead and opened some of their stores and fancy restaurants to serve their consumers while giving them a chance to be closer to God. They collaborated with Church Simplified and the other generous sponsors to offer an interactive and amazing exhibit that will surely make a difference.
There were 14 stations that they beautifully set up and each one of them had different activities which anyone can participate. I do admire all the artworks they presented and also was impressed with the activities we were able to join. I have compiled all the stations they showed in different areas.
I really like how every station has an english and tagalog translation which gives an openness and warmth feeling in this celebration.
As you can see, each station contains a message from the names above. The red lines were the insights of the person, and they also have the Act column where it will help you reflect on the station that you just read and also get you involve with interesting activities.
Also, they also involve the social media and technology since some activities will make you text someone a really inspiring note, and the hashtag #CSWalkway #CSWalkwayStation _ (Station’s Number) is in every station you go through. I think this is a really good marketing campaign for them to involve on how people connect nowadays and didn’t exclude the fact that this is a modern era already lol and it surely made the experience more engaging.
Of all the station I went to, Station 13 was my favorite. This is the station where Mary Magdalene found Jesus’ Tomb, and they made you go through this dark and cave like tunnel, and once you get out you will just be amazed with the different notes and the light that you will see. It felt like Jesus’ had risen and I was one of the lucky ones to witness it.
They prepared blank papers and pen where you will write the names of the people who made an impact to your life. Those people close to your heart and you are grateful to have. It was a great experience to let other people see the names of the people who you are grateful to. This activity really flattered my heart with gratitude and love.
The Last Station would go back to Peter, and I was really delighted with how creative they were to reenact the Lord’s supper by giving us a jelly ace colored juice which will represent the blood and a biscuit as the body.
These are some genius and amazing creations that will give you chills and make you feel the essence of the Walk, and you know that you are in the right place.
People were able to carry a cross and nail on the cross their sufferings, regrets, anger and basically, the things they did wrong which will signify their repentance and that they surrender all to Him. I did carry the cross, and I was shocked that it was really heavy and this made me felt how Jesus’ suffered so much and what I did were too far from what He had suffered.
All of the activities were overwhelming and really made me reflect about my life. But this one had an impact to my heart. It was when you will be a Simon to Jesus, a stranger who helped Him carry the cross at the mountain. In the bowl were prayers written of those who wrote before me. I will pick one then I will pray for that person then I will write my own prayer and put it in a bowl so someone will be able to pray for me.
“The Lord is close to the Broken hearted and those who are crushed in spirit Whoever you are who got this, God is close to you more than ever”
I was entirely stoked when I got this because it was for me. I thought I would be able to pray for someone’s random needs and dilemmas but I got a message that is entirely accurate of what I’ve been feeling for the past few weeks. Honestly, i’ve been having emotional pain and personal problems where some times I just don’t know who to turn to. Hence, this had proved me that God has always been there ,and I was just blinded by the troubles in my heart instead I should open my heart to receive the love He unconditionally gives and see how much He values each one of us. To whoever who wrote this, I thank you for letting me know that no one is alone in our battles because God is there to shield us with His undying love and help us gain back our fragile hearts.
These are the sponsors that made this special station of the cross possible. The ushers were approachable and happy to guide you while you’re on the station. They also provided souvenirs and other materials to purchase, if you want to truly remember this event. BHS really made a good fortune out of this event because this is one of the few malls where most of the restaurants were open and that some establishments were selling too so after the Station of the Cross people were craving and hungry for good restaurants to go to. Hence, they didn’t only make money but they surely got their customers heart be fulfilled with God’s presence.
Indeed, Church can really be simple. If we just act together and give a shot. We can all be closer to Him. Let Him find us back and bring us to His love. This holy week special by Walkway 2015 courtesy of Bonifacio High Street and Church Simplified didn’t only make me feel welcomed and let my stayaction at home exciting but it proved me that you didn’t have to go far to reflect and find God, because you will find Him only if you let Him.
Food/Establishments - 25%/25%