Saint James the Greater other image

Saint James the Greater, Apostle at the Bulusan  fiesta vesperas procession, July 24, 2013.

"He was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, given the mission to proclaim the good news, and authority to heal and cast out demons. To be named one of the twelve James must have had faith and commitment.

But even among the apostles he held a special place. WhenJesus raised Jairus' daughter when all thought her dead, he only allowed James, John, and Peter to come with him. Even more important when he went up to the mountain to pray, he wanted James, John, and Peter to go with him. And it was there on the mountain they were privileged to witness what no one else had seen -- Jesus transfigured in his glory, speaking to Moses and Elijah, as the voice of God spoke from a cloud.

And with Simon Peter, James and John were the only ones of the apostles that Jesus gave a special name: Sons of Thunder." Source: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=59                             

Note: The image of Saint James the Greater Apostle ( above photo) is presently under the care of Dr. Oscar Halum and family of Bulusan, Sorsogon.

Photo: Alma P. Gamil

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Santa Marta: A beautiful Act of devotion

For the discerning eye, it is evident, everything about the Santa were meticulously prepared. The style of the gown, the accessories used, the flowers and even the color combination were so excellent that one can sense a professional designer's hand behind the exquisite presentation.

Surprisingly, the effect was not ostentatious but rather a high couture and a manifestation of a sense of style on the part of the 'carer' of the Santa.

Santa Marta will always be dear to me since she 'lives' just beside our residence in Central, only a house away. I have known her since I was a child. She never ages. She is as beautiful as ever and more radiant now in the hands of a devoted carer- a grandson of our neighbor. Without fail the Santa always catches my curiosity for the whole week of the Kamahalan (Holy Week) when all the town's santas and santos are present at the Saint James the Greater Parish Church of Bulusan.

Taking care of a Santa for the Kamahalan is an act of devotion and faith in Bulusan. Although done only once a year, the preparation for the event entails not just a short span of days or weeks. It is actually a way of life for the carer that will last a lifetime and will extend to the next in the family line or whoever will be fortunate enough to be given the task of caring a Santa.

Indeed Santa Marta is an example of a Bulusanon's spirit of devotion and faith. An eloquent statement of love and care for the Santa as translated in the visual form.

Gazing at Santa Marta in the Palm Sunday afternoon procession, I can honestly say that  Santa Marta in her most beautiful regalia is a visual prayer expressed in a most stylish form. A testament of a Bulusanon's creativity and talent.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines