SUBSCRIBESemana Santa 06: Santo Señor Sepulcro
Its just now that I’ve started posting about my Semana Santa trip. Just too many photos (around 20Gb at approximately 7-8Mb each file –> RAW) to convert, archive and select. Actually, I’ve not yet finished archiving these files but more than half is already done. Being busy with my work and a trip last weekend to Isabela and Cagayan left me with just less time. Anyway…
Lucban’s Santo Intierro, better known by devotees and townsfolk alike as the Santo Señor Sepulcro is housed in the old Rañola house, a refurbished bahay na bato or stone house that was erected during the Spanish era, burned by occupying Japanese during World War II and now, a cool and cozy abode. This image, a lifesize wooden antique figure of the dead Christ, and more than a hundred years old, is under the caretakership of the family of my friend, Jayson Maceo (who hosted me during my visit to Lucban to document the Holy Week activities there this month), for the past 5 decades already.
It has such a storied past. First owned by Don Geronimo Rilles, a family in Lucban, it was pawned in Quiapo to pay off debts incurred. Stories say that the wife of the Rilles patriarch was so fond of jewelry that later was the source of their indebtedness. Hearing this loss, the townspeople decided to buy the image back. The cost was around P700 (700 pesos), an already grand sum at that time. However, because the town experienced hard times, they were only able to raise, from contributions, P300 (300 pesos). Unfazed, Don Juan Rañola provided the remaining balance himself. When the image was brought back to Lucban, the townspeople celebrated. It has been with the Rañolas ever since.
It was also fortunate, and others, attribute it to Divine Providence that it was saved during WWII. During that time, the other images owned by prominent families were placed inside the church, thinking that being a sacred building, it would not be bombed. Alas! It was bombarded by the Americans to flush out the Japanese (just like other old churches around the archipelago) and with it a rich trove of santos and other imahens save for a few head and hand pieces that were later salvaged. The rest, were totally gone. It was in this instance wherein, instead of being placed in the church, it was transferred to another location where the Rañola family hid their valuables. Wrapped and borne by two person s and walked the entire length to the place near where Batis Aramin now stands (maybe almost a kilometer) passing checkpoints without being detected that it was an image. Thus the beloved Señor was saved.
Left, the image of the Santo Señor Sepulcro, better known simply as the Señor. Its a richly detailed image. It is not always that one can view the bare chest where the spear wound, at the lower part can be seen. Its almost lifelike!
Right, the feet of the image that was newly painted. In old photos, this was very dark in color due to years of touching by devotees. I was also told that it got worn from these visitors and in some instances, they break off a small piece to be used as somewhat of a relic or others as a talisman.
Left, detail of hand. Other than the head and feet, the rest of the body is draped with a cloth that’s why its not very often that one sees the chest or hands.
Right, this is the century old drape that is used only during the Holy Week. Embroidered in with gold thread, its a very opulent piece, richly detailed and decorated with symbols of Christ’s life and passion at its edges: the robe that he wore before being crucified, St. Peter’s rooster, etc.
Left, details of the golden robe’s edges. A very striking piece that has been kept in good condition by Jayson’s family.
Right, detail of the book with the lamb biting a banner. A work of silver, also antigo (antique), it is placed on the chest of the image. The lamb, surely symbolizes the Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God. The four jewels at the four corners symbolizes the four evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Detail of front of the silver book are studded with seven gems symbolizing the 7 sacraments.
Related posts:
Series 31: Semana Santa 06
Semana Santa 06: Dressing the Santo Señor Sepulcro
Semana Santa 06: Domingo de Ramos, 1
Semana Santa 06: Domingo de Ramos, 2 and Pabasa
Semana Santa 06: Via Crucis
Semana Santa 06: Senakulo
Semana Santa 06: Flagellants
Semana Santa 06: Paete and Pakil processions
Semana Santa 06: Maundy Thursday
Semana Santa 06: Good Friday, 1
