Here in the Philippines most people north of Mindanao consider themselves Catholic. The religion has mixed in with animism, and mysticism, alcoholism (not really, but it is very high here as in most poor parts of the world). Many people refer to an almanac that then tells them what day to do certain things, when it will be auspicious to move for example. Many people have fat little cat like statues they pray to and light candles around. Feminine boys and men are honored and it seems that almost every family has at least one cross gender, gay boy/man. The Saints are everywhere and worshiped like gods. Mindanao and parts south are mainly Muslim. Boracay is sort of in the mid land and has everything religion wise.
Anyway, that all is kind of side bar.
While in Iloilo I wanted to visit the old churches built by the Spanish when they ruled in the 1800s. We only made it to one church, Molo Church built in 1831.
Wow and wow! It is a very beautiful church. I appreciate the loveliness, even while I don't totally understand the extravagance. After Jesus came the Bible no longer refers to the church as a place, the Church is the people, there is no more reference made to the building of churches. I don't know the theology behind the Catholic building of expensive, huge churches, but they sure are awesome.
These guys look like they'd be tons of fun!
I do love how many Catholics serve, some in service their whole lives. There are many inspiring Catholics, and many saints among them.
I googled about this martyr to the faith. His story of great dedication to our God is touching.
In addition to churches I am fascinated with cemeteries, otherwise know as bury patches. Space is limited in the cities, so being buried is expensive here just like it is in the States.
If you die poor you get a concrete box.
If you have money then you get something much nicer than a concrete box.
In many cemeteries here the poor only get that box for 5 years, for a fee; they rent it so to speak. Now at the end of the 5 years another rent payment is due. If your family is on even harder times, or has moved, or is dead, or perhaps sends the money but the payment is 'lost', then your bones are removed and a new dead person gets your box. Of course the wealthy buy a plot and don't have to worry about rent.
In Manila there are cemeteries where the poor actually live. They have removed the bones is the boxes and sleep in the little tombs. How awful is that? Some have moved into mausoleums that have been in their family, they share space with the caskets of dead relatives.
In the Manila North Cemetery it is estimated that 10,000 people live with the dead. Google it. That's just one of the many cemeteries.
(not my pic, found on google)
As bad as living in a cemetery may sound....it is far better than other places. At least the tombs are dry.
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