Amuma, Vicita Iglesias

I was depressed, impressed, enlightened, and pleased in a one of a kind journey. Maundy Thursday it was when I did it with people whom I have something in common—an experience with the struggle against cancer, whose group is aptly called Amuma.

Every Lent, this group goes on a pilgrimage around the city, visiting cancer warriors and survivors. Vicita Iglesias cum Station of the Cross. We visit at least fourteen houses—Iglesias—where we do the rites of each of the fourteen stations of the Cross.

It has been one of the most meaningful Lenten activities I’ve undergone.

Depressing was the sight of cancer patients who seem to be stuck in bed courtesy of this disease called cancer, and the pain their loved ones obviously felt. Yet inspiring was the spark in their eyes when they saw that some people know, experience and care about their plight. Impressive was the strength both patients and caregivers demonstrate as they battle the menace. And, enlightening was their advice on the diet, lifestyle, and attitude to avoid and fight the affliction.

We visited seventeen houses, and as many cancer survivors or warriors. They were of different ages—ranging from eight to seventy-three. They were of different occupations—student, retiree, single parent, pastor, teacher. They were of different religion—Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, Seventh Day Adventist. They were of different situations—there were those who had every treatment available, those who have limited resources, and those who were not able to avail of any treatment at all because of financial restrictions.

Such differences, however, barely meant anything, because we were linked by one bond—cancer. We fight the same battle. We are in the same ring.

This journey—my second in a row—made me see cancer struggle in a new light. It made me realize this affliction is not all bad. One good I saw: I have found new friends—ones who understand my and my family’s struggles, ones who could be ears when I need someone to listen to my griping and whining, ones with whom I could laugh at some petty things, little achievements and progress we have made in our struggle. We are not alone in this journey. There are quite a number of us. Not that I am grateful that many have been afflicted by the disease. It is that there are people I know I could count on whenever I need them. And it is always good to know somebody’s got your back.

More than that, it made me see pain in another angle. That it is a sharing of Jesus’ cross—just like Simon of Cyrene. And to cling to God alone, for after all, it is hope that would make all this lighter.