I write this from a perspective of a respectful outsider.  I am not Catholic. I grew up Baptist in the South of the U.S. and Easter day was always more of the focus during this time of the year.  I have lived in this very Catholic community for many years now and understand the impact and importance of the day.  

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and the day that commemorates the death of Jesus. He was betrayed with a kiss by one of his disciples for 30 pieces of silver. As it is written, he spent that day being tortured and ultimately murdered with a Roman form of execution: crucifixion. What is “Good” about this day?  Most Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrifice saved mankind from our sins, and this ultimate sacrifice could only be remembered by the world as “Good”. 

On Guam, this sacrifice is remembered on Good Friday by hundreds of people hiking the second tallest mountain on the island, Mount Jumullong Månglo. This year’s procession of families and friends was led by a 400-pound, large wooden cross carried to the top of the mountain; a tradition that started in the 1970’s.  The rugged terrain makes this hike difficult for the average person; from steep, slippery paths, and an unforgiving jungle environment with sword grass brushing every turn. This approximately one, to one and a half hour (one way) trek up the mountainside is marked with 14 stations that the cross stops for prayer along the way to its final resting place at the top of the mountain to be placed next to crosses from previous years. 

This was my first time participating in this island ritual. It was a beautiful, humid, and sunny day on the island and we arrived at the site after sunrise (I would highly recommend going earlier). I am in fairly good health, but I must admit the climb up the mountain was challenging; trying to find the right footing as to not slip, trying not to get over heated as the sweat poured down my face, with every step my heartbeat reminded me that even small sacrifices of comfort is not easy.  

The most striking part of the hike for me was the community.  Hundreds of people came together to make this pilgrimage, the crowds of all ages from young parents with infants trapped to their chests, to senior citizens moving with care and determination, everyone helping each other hold on so they did not fall.  Everyone providing a hand to help someone struggling to get across a steep hill or muddy incline.  Strangers starting conversations and encouraging each other that “we can do this” and “almost there”.  It was a reminder of the good in Good Friday, and that if Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice and surely, we could force our bodies to complete this one small journey. 

As the cross made its way from station to station, the crowd paused for a moment of prayer and reflection. “Make way for the cross” was shouted through the crowd to clear the path to the next stop. The men carrying the wooden cross on their backs, making their way up the uneven terrain through the crowd of worshipers had a mission that would not be deterred. 

At the top of the mountain, the views are the most beautiful scenes of the surrounding oceans. The sense of accomplishment that I had completed my journey (at least half of it).  The crosses from years past stood strong at the peak, at least the ones that had not been overtaken by mother nature.  Seeing these beautiful stone and wooden crosses against the blue green ocean back drop provides a sense of peace and gratefulness.  Once the new cross made it to the top, it was planted next to its predecessors and the crowd joined in a moment of prayer and song. When the ceremony was over, the crowd thins out to descend back down the mountain, but some families remain behind for moments of private prayer and to take pictures. The trek down the mountain seemed a little easier although you still must be mindful of your steps. Everyone seem to be in a more joyful mood making wishes of Happy Easter to everyone they passed and enjoying the nature all around as they descend from their spiritual journey.  

I am grateful to have taken part in this year’s tradition and plan to return next year (much earlier of course). This spiritual trek was an enlightening reminder that regardless of your religious affiliation, take time to challenge your body and focus your mind on the good in your life, be grateful for every day and have a Happy Easter.