My daughter counted the number of santo that joined in the Byernes Santo procession and there were 43, the last being SAN JUANA. Some said there were 45 santos and there would be more in the future.
I don’t remember how many santos were there during my younger days. I thought they were sufficient. Now, 45 is okay but what is essential is not the number of santo that our town has, but what do these images or statues represent or bring to us as Catholics, and not the pride and status symbol that it brings to the owner.
It’s a common dream of many Binangonians to have their own santo but it must be for the right reason.
Not to use it as a status symbol, Not as pride and glory to the owners. Not to flaunt newfound or newly-earned wealth. Not as a contest.
My mother and my Kuya Ben also wanted to have one that we could join in the procession. I also seriously thought about it and one time (15 years ago) I sent my staff to Binangonan to inquire about what santo I could add. A suggestion was made and I was already in the process of looking for a wood carver, carosa, etc. I was already doing some rough planning. Then word got around town and many speculations were made. That mine would probably be the grandest, most expensive, etcetera etcetera. I have also found out that most of the residents just look at the santo’s gowns, carossa, decor, fresh flowers, etc. They don’t see what the santo represents to us as Catholics but they only see the superficialities. When I heard of these, I decided not to pursue it. There are many things that I could do to show my support to our town’s old-age tradition. I didn’t want to participate in a contest. I didn’t have to prove myself to others by having a very nice and grandiose carosa. But who knows, I might change my mind and join in the fray, but for sure, it’s for the right reason.
For now, I am happy expressing my support and my spirituality in simpler ways like my panata of distributing snacks, water, towel, etc. during the procession.
I would like to thank those families who spent a lot of time, money and effort every year so they could continue our town’s century-old practice of religiosity. Thank you for your commitments.
I know some santo owners experience financial difficulties spending for the yearly processions. Someone once mentioned to me that a family was looking for someone to continue caring for their santo because they couldn’t afford it anymore. Before I could even say yes, there was already someone who willingly took the santo.
My mom made us say a little prayer everytime a santo passed by. We looked at their faces and made the sign of the cross. How about the new generation, do they even pray?
