Catholics trek Passion Hill in S. Cotabato on Good Friday

BANGA, South Cotabato -- Roman Catholic faithful here and in nearby Koronadal Citytoday reenacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ by trekking the Passion Hill, located near the borders of this town and the city.As the sun breaks Friday morning, people started the Station of the Cross in a six hectare rocky hillside overlooking the Koronadal City-Banga highway.The gospel writers reported that Jesus was crucified at the Place of a Skull , known as ' Golgotha ' in Hebrew, meaning 'Skull' (Matthew 27:33 Mark 15:22 Luke 23:33 John 19:17). It was near the Old City of Jerusalem , 'cavaties' in a rocky hillside align to form a vivid image of a skull.Here, families trekked the slopes and recited the 14 Stations of the Cross.Some believed the hillside has healing powers that somehow helped the sick, at least, recover. Three huge crosses stand atop the Passion Hill to symbolize the cross where Jesus was nailed and died and two others for the criminals.Elderly men and women were among the trekkers.Jekryl Dao, one of the devotees and early bird in the Passion Hill, told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida that the place was solemn and ideal for meditation and being with the Lord. Image may contain one or more people sky cloud tree outdoor and nature sand//scontent.fmnl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17884553_1261202317319908_3753309331273503008_n.jpg?oh=d8661845e66a53fea47afc2c66df77acandampoe=5985B7AD Image may contain one or more people tree sky outdoor and nature sand//scontent.fmnl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17951524_1261201237320016_3070318328988361917_n.jpg?oh=05715986c75242a4fc0ec8ba78dccc19:ampoe=5987B8F9 Image may contain 1 person grass tree outdoor and nature sand//scontent.fmnl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17884252_1261201277320012_1997786000643522953_n.jpg?oh=71688ddc339e4638b35b83eb2ed4f6bfandampoe=59852428