wrapping up the Holy Week

the "ABET-ABET"

The "abet-abet" wraps up the Easter celebration in Asingan, if this tradition is still being continued. During the ' 60s, a tall tower-lik structure was erected at the gate of the church which has a room which housed a couple of "angels." These were the cute young girls selected by the church volunteers ( usually their relatives ) who were garbed with white dresses that looked like nighties. They have "wings" strapped to their backs. The blessed creatures had to rehearse a short song "Regina coeli laetare..Alleluia.." (Queen of heaven, rejoice, Alleluia..). Rehearsals, and the erection of the tower took place on the afternoon of Holy Saturday. Men of the Parish usually pitch in to do the job.

 

Then at 3:00 am Sunday, some parishioners would wake up, go to church where two images are waiting: Mary and the Resurrected Jesus. So all the men would go with Jesus and all the women would be behind Mary. Of course, four able bodied men would carry Mary's statue..From the churchyard, they would go opposite ways taking the side roads encircling the church. The little angels are already up in the tower hiding behind the curtained room.

 

The two images would meet in front of the tower. The church bells will ring .Some spotlights would be turned on beaming on the two images which were just beside the curtained window. Then one angel would come out to remove the black veil covering mary's head..Then the other angels would sing the Regina Coeli..

Mass would follow after the participants and volunteers were treated to a simple breakfast, usually pan de sal from a local bakery, coffee and orange juice for the kids..

Domingo Pascua, they say is supposed to be happier than Christmas because of the resurrection meaning behind it. We do not make a big deal out of it anymore because of the tiring 3 day rituals: Hoy Thursday Mass & Procession, then sometimes there is an all night vigil inside the church ( from Thursday night to Friday morning ).The church doors would be open all the time and two designated men would be kneeling right in front of the altar where a monstrance encasing the Blessed Sacrament is in view.A pair of "guards" will take turns in guarding the monstrance ( made of gold ) least someone would come and steal it ---#