BIENN CARLO MANUNTAG

February 13, 2017

Apalit is a town in Pampanga under the Patronage of St. Peter, the leader of the twelve apostles and the first bishop of the see of Rome. Here, the first pope of the Church is fondly called Apung Iru.

Apalit is not just an ordinary parish under the patronage of the prince of the apostles, because of its widely-known fluvial procession which the locals call Libad nang Apung Iru. The devotees enthrone the centuries-old ivory image of St. Peter in a pagoda, a colorfully decorated float for the procession along the Rio Grande de Pampanga. The fluvial procession is participated by different families and groups in their own boats, celebrating, praying, dancing, singing, and even eating while joyfully screaming the name of their patron several times during the procession, “Viva, Apung Iru” which translates to Hail, St. Peter.

But what made it more different and moving last year?

The year 2017 was a bit different from the usual in the history of the Parish and of the Town. An unusual blessing came for the people of Apalit—the arrival and enshrinement of the First class relic of their beloved Apung Iru. It was an “ex ossibus” i.e. a part from the bones of St. Peter. The relic was from the Chapel of the Holy Relics of the Order of Discalced Augustinians in Cebu.

But what makes it more moving is the fact that the people of Apalit, celebrated their fiesta or feast for the second time in thanksgiving of the arrival of the holy relics of their patron.

The people of Apalit had just celebrated their three-day parochial and town celebration from June 28 until June 30. And on these days of celebration, news came that a relic of their patron will be granted for the devotion of the faithful. True enough, 23 days after, on the 22nd of July 2017, the people are gathered again with more if not the same fervor and enthusiasm for the arrival or should we say coming home of their Apung Iru. For the people of Apalit, the Kapampangan in them would not permit to just let this occasion pass by. It means another libad, another fiesta, another chance to show their gratitude to God through the prince of the apostles. Besides, it was a popular story that in the past, there were recorded histories that there were two fiestas in a year. Some speculated and concluded that this arrival is another fiesta. Indeed, the relics were welcomed with great eagerness. People came out of the streets as the procession going to the church passed. Parents raised their children so they can kiss the relic, similar to the scenario of the Pope on a pope mobile. Sick people threw their handkerchief to be touched to the reliquary, reminiscent of the scenes of the Nazareno traslacion—all showing deep and genuinely Filipino piety. Some call it paganism or animism, forgetting the story of the hemorrhagic woman who was healed after touching the cloak of Jesus and the heed of Christ to be childlike in faith. The holy mass for the reception filled the parish church and patio to its capacity. Processions and venerations which lasted until the night was attended by people from all walks of life. Each has his/her own intention. Everyone wants to give thanks, attributing life’s blessing to their patron.

The arrival of the holy relics of St. Peter is a clear manifestation of the visible presence of their patron in their parish. It will be for them and for their children and the next generation a visible sign of God’s undying love and guidance over his children and the Church.

It was truly overwhelming to witness the tremendous love and devotion of the people of Apalit to their beloved Patron, St. Peter.

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, pray for us.