BISHOP OF BOAC ON THE MORIONES FESTIVAL AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

The Moriones Festival of Marinduque has been the subject of studies on how commerce and trade, modernization and political intervention have, over the years, variously impacted on the colorful folk tradition originally associated with spirituality, penance and vows.

In this video, the Most Reverend Bishop of Boac, Reynaldo G. Evangelista expresses his thoughts and recollections on the moriones tradition and the need for adjustments, keeping in context whatever new components may be introduced, among them, the challenge particularly in Boac to truly make Easter Sunday a day of rejoicing. The focus on things spiritual must be kept, he said, that could even lead to Marinduque making a name for itself as a Spiritual Renewal Destination in the future.

His message was conveyed during the opening program of the Moriones Festival last year (2009), with local government officials and private sector in attendance. This year's Lenten celebration in the Philippine's central island-province, dubbed as "Semana Santa sa Marinduque" thus, strikes a balance between, commerce and spirituality, politics and religion, in keeping with the Bishop's spiritual message.