Devotion

My travels, whether for pleasure or for work, have given me the opportunity to witness as well as to experience several deeply moving events. Typically these have been related to religious rituals, celebrations, and observations. I have experienced Christian, Muslim, Pagan, Buddhist, Animist, and Hindu religious events.


I have previously written about the self mutilation of the Mar Songs during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Just yesterday some Thai friends were visiting and asked to see photos of the event. When I was asked why the people pierced their bodies with all sorts of objects. I explained that the Mar Song utilize the mutilations as testimony to the strength of their gods. They asked me if I believed. It is difficult to say that you do not believe in a religion that others are so passionate about. I have seen things happen that I can not explain but that does not mean that I believe. What I do is respect as well as admire the faith and passion of the believers. They are living their life to the fullest extent and with passion.


Witnessing the strength of peasant people's faith in the Cathedral in Cusco Peru during the feast of Corpus Christi was inspiring to me.


I was moved at the sight of a newly ordained Buddhist Monk exiting the ceremonial hall into the early and cold morning seeking his daily meal. As he walked down the stairs he was encountered by his parents and grandparents who gave him his first offerings in his new life as a Monk. The son and grandson of the previous day had been elevated to a position of reverence and deep respect through the century's old ritual of ordination. His choice to become a Monk had earned merit for his parents - merit that will be considered in determining their status in future lives.


Watching the reenactment of Inca ceremonies in Peru impressed upon me our need for hope, direction, pageantry as well as answers in our daily life.


Ramadan and the Feast of Eid al Fitr which celebrates the end of Ramadan are testaments to the faith and devotion of the adherents. These religious events bind them to their ancestors over many centuries while providing a direction into the future.


I have witnessed Animist ceremonies and rituals here in Isaan and with ethnic minorities throughout Thailand. Again the steadfast faith and confidence in their beliefs provided solutions, and resolutions to the participants.


While in Malaysia, I was able to observe some Hindu rituals and pilgrimages. Once again the passion and devotion of the believers was inspiring.

While in Brasil, I attended a celebration of Corpus Christi in the colonial town of Lapa in the state of Parana. Lapa is a small town with approximately 41,000 people not very far from Curitiba. The center of Lapa is very quaint with cobblestone streets and colorful homes in the Portuguese colonial style. I refer to Lapa as the "Alamo of Brasil". In the early 1890's there was a rebellion against the Republican government of Brasil. Approximately 600 Lapa rebels held out against over three thousand Federal soldiers for almost a month. This delaying tatic bought time for the rebels to organize and prepare to defeat the Federal troops in a subsequent battle. A monument in Lapa honors the sacrifice of the defenders of Lapa.


My friend and I drove out to Lapa to witness the unique way that the feat of Corpus Christi is celebrated. In Lapa there is a large cathedral on a hill. This church is where the people worship now a days. The original church, much smaller and very much older is located in the lower central part of the town. Paved streets and a wide boulevard with a wide divider of vegetation connect the two churches.

We arrived early in the morning to witness the preparations for the celebration of the Feast. At the end of the mass at the large cathedral, there is a large procession to transport the Holy Eucharist to the historical church in the city center. The procession walks the entire route on top of religiously inspired paintings made out of colored saw dust, grains, flowers and leaves. Religious pictures out of prayer books, Bibles, Gospels, and masterpieces are used as guides as well as inspirations for the paintings. The finished paintings provide a profusion of color, symbolism, and inspiration upon which the believers trek. Along the path, people set up small altars as shrines and offerings.


The altars are small tables, often elaborately carved wood, with intricate lace or embroidered cloths covering them. Typically there is an open Bible or Gospel on the table flanked by two elaborate candle holders, vase or two of fresh cut flowers, a crucifix, and a statue. The priests carrying the Holy Eucharist stop, pray, and give blessings at these alters along the way.

Other residents along the route, place make shift shrines in their windows using most of the items used at the alters along with a religious painting or picture. The entire route is lined with an out pouring of religious faith and devotion.

We walked along the edges of the procession being careful not to walk upon the artwork. The true believers walked with the priests upon the completed art work. The procession was large and walked the route with a very deliberate and reverent pace.

Once again a religious observance had provided a passionate moment along my journey in this life. The character and culture of a people and a nation were demonstrated in the devotion to their faith and religious zeal.

It was an experience that has been repeated many times and in many places. All of them proving that no matter how different we appear to be, we are very much alike.