HUNDREDS joined the annual pilgrimage to Mt. Tapochau on Good Friday.
A group of men carried a wooden cross from Capitol Hill all the way to the mountain’s summit where Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ike Ayuyu of Mt. Carmel Cathedral.
“This is one tradition the Catholics will always be doing every year, and I am glad I am part of it,” said Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela in an interview.
As early as Thursday night, private and government organizations led by the Office of the Governor had already set up tents beside the roads to provide devotees with water, fruit juices, biscuits, bread, fruits and emergency care as they walk to the mountain top.
Tudela said the Saipan Mayor’s Office made sure that the rough and steep roads leading to Mt. Tapochau—the highest point on the island—were cleared.
Attorney General Robert T. Torres and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Bernard P. Villagomez were among those who helped carry the cross.
“It’s good for meditation and reflection—as a Catholic, I feel obligated to do this once every year,” said 25-year-old Alvin Atalig of the Office of the Public Auditor.
The rain did not deter the devotees, some of whom began the trek to Mt. Tapochau even before the break of dawn.
