Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |1

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Friday devotion to the Mahal na Señor is a tradition in Lucban, Quezon. People in

Lucban visits the Mahal na Señor every Friday as part of this tradition the Mahal na Señor

is a man-made image representing the dead body of Jesus Christ.

Lucban, Quezon is a Catholic town where there are colorful cultures and old

traditions that are still observed. People also witness the Señor, the wooden structure of the

dead Jesus Christ which the people of Lucban and some tourists always visit because they

believe that it is miraculous and heals different kinds of sickness both physical and

spiritual. Every Friday, devotion is conducted when the devotees visit the house of the

family who own the said ‘Poon'.

The Friday devotion to Mahal na Señor is also known for its solemn prayer that

makes people devote to visit every Friday and to apply healing oil on their body.

To define this belief to others who don’t believe in God they don’t want any man-

made image according to Raneses Conrado (2018) therefore other people justify using the

saints as a way to represent the holiness and that they aren’t prohibited as it was stated in

the bible. Particularly in the book of Exodus on chapter 25, said “then shall not have no

other gods before me."

The Rector of Quiapo, Ignacio mention that the procession and devotion is not

entirely idolatry but rather reflects the Filipino trait of wiping, touching, kissing, or

embracing the sacred objects and it is just their belief of the divine presence to the objects

and places.
 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |2

Ruezol Aeron mentioned that hearing from this act of love prayed by the

recamadera of Mahal na Señor, Mrs. Victorina Aquino viuda de Chupungco, was a heartfelt

and edifying moment. Those who have been touched by the heart from the prayers can only

be the fruit of a lifetime of devotion and gratitude to Mahal na Señor.

Every year, the image was celebrated alongside a novena leading to Friday's

Pabasa. Even at the few hours of the morning before the chapel is opened, a very long line

of devotees reaching as far as that of the plaza complex of Calamba wait for their turn so

that they could reach the Señor.

The miracles of Señor may be undocumented and recorded with only a few written

information about it upon the heart of devotees, yet there is continuous increas of devotees

who show their acts of appreciation to the Mahal na Señor brought by the sacred images.

The study on Friday Devotion would emphasize the culture Lucban Community in

terms of their devotion to the Mahal na Señor and to determine the beliefs of the devotion

of Lucban community towards the Mahal na Señor. This study would seek to determine

the reasons why devotees observed the Friday’s devotion to Mahal na Senor, it also aimed

to analyze how the devotion to Mahal na Señor affect individuals’ religious beliefs. Lastly

it would distinguish the different practices of the devotees during Friday’s devotion to

Mahal Na Señor.
 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |3

Background of the Study

The researchers were curious about how devotion to Mahal na Señor affects people

in both the mental and spiritual state with their devotional influence towards to Mahal na

Senor for its holy healing essence and needs for the devotees.

There’s no proper devotion nowadays as the devotees are slowly losing interest in

taking their time off from attending churches due to their personal lives especially for the

younger generations. They don’t give much thought and value about to the Mahal na Señor.

This tradition which our previous elders and ancestors have done for so many years is

discouraged and slowly forgotten. In these kinds of situation, people will no longer give

importance to God for the future and be just a figment of imagination.

For the reason of tradition and historical background didn’t change much over the

times that has passed as it’s inherited from each generation. There would be a much clearer

explanation within this study on how the people and devotees show the importance of their

devotion to the Señor.

The sole reason why the researcher would conduct a study concerning religion is

that, through the help of Friday devotion, it can restore the belief that are once carried by

the community. This study also aimed to bring the people closer to their religion.

Objectives of the study

The main objective of the study is to determine the beliefs of the devotees on

Friday devotion to the Mahal na Señor of Lucban, Quezon.

 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |4

Specifically, it will seek to accomplish the following:

1. Determine the reason why devotees observed the Friday devotion to Mahal na

Senor

2. Determine how the devotion to Mahal na Señor affect individuals’ religious

beliefs

3. Determine the different practices of the devotees during Fridays devotion to

Mahal Na Señor

Significance of the Study

Friday devotion to the Mahal na Señor is a tradition in Lucban, Quezon, in which

people in Lucban visits the Mahal na Señor every Friday.

The value of the study is focused on the devotion to the Señor as they could learn

about the said beliefs, practices and rituals. It can be a benefit from the church because the

study shows the basis for how people see it among other religions. Townspeople also learn

from where their traditions and practices originated during events in the past heritage.

Devotees would further be aware of how they truly act upon on the occasion as well

for their common environment with the church including the Lucban community.

As for the researchers they would aided in their study as free references material to

find the brief explanation and details about the devotion of Lucbanins more than they know

of as a Catholic member. Even the future researchers can easily access it for additional
 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |5

information in their search for the history of Señor. To the Roman Catholics for it would

show the basis for people to see it among other religious.

Scope and Delimitations

The study would analyze the devotee’s devotion to the Mahal na Señor of Lucban,

Quezon.

The total number of participants or devotees given by the statistician as a preferred

quota were around fifty (50) who come to Mahal na Señor in the home of holy images.

The respondents will be randomly selected from those who visit the Mahal na Señor

in Lucban, Quezon. This is also limited on the information gathered through the survey of

Mahal na Señor during Friday and on the data from the different devotees of the Señor.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally for better understanding.

Beliefs is the spiritual aspect of a religion and being derived from ideas that are exclusive

to religion, often relate to the existence, characteristics and worship of a deity or

deities and, divine intervention in the universe and human life,

Devotees is someone is wholly devoted especially who gives themselves wholly to religion

and one who superstitiously follow religious duties and ceremonies.

 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |6

Devotion refers to a prayer, worship, or other religious activities that are done in private

rather than in a religious service.

Heritage are valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, unspoiled countryside,

and historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations.

Procession is usually done by the devotees where they conduct a parade of saints as they

roam around the town as the devotees follow them every Friday, annually.

Señor is a holy image acknowledged as a holy virtuous and typically regarded as being in

heaven after death.

Practice in a religion, means to believe in and regularly perform the activities associated

with that religion, such as attending religious services, reading scripture,

participating in rituals, or following the religion’s rules about clothing, eating, or

prayer.
 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |7

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of some literatures and studies, both local and

foreign, written by authorities and researchers in the field of education and other allied

fields which are available and closely related to the present study. Particularly, this chapter

focused on history, beliefs rituals and effects.

History of Mahal na Senor

Nantes (1952) stated that the source narrated a significant part of the history of

Lucban about the Mahal na Señor or the image of the dead Christ, how it ended up in a

pawnshop in Manila causing many maladies to the townspeople and the possessor hip that

was engagement all the way to the Corte Suprema (Supreme Court) between the original

owners lead story by the Lukban-Villasenor Clan and the present owners, the Rañola clan.

This happened in 1892.

After the death of Captain Saturnino Rilles y Cristobal, all his self-possession were

left behind, including the Santo Sepulcro or Dear Señor, to his sons Geronimo Rilles, the

young man; Andrea Rilles, married to Miguel de San Agustin, mother and father of siblings

General Vicente Lukban, Dr. Justo Lukcban, Juez Caytano Lukban and others; and

Saturnina (Nining) Rilles, married to Esteban Villaseñor, father of pharmacist Liborio

Villaseñor and Ismael Villaseñor, draft and producing his statue of Dr. Jose Rizal antonym

the Home of the House of Representatives. When leaving here and moving to Daet,

Camarines Norte and the family of Miguel de San Agustin and Andrea Rilles, changed the
 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |8

surname and make Lukban, as a memorial to their hometown. Due to the demands of G

Geronimo Rilles, he brought in the Santo Sepulcro to Manila and was asked by a wealthy

jeweler, Mr. Cirilo David, on the way to San Pedro (now a hundred gospeller ), for about

seven hundred pesos (P700.00).

It's just sad that the whole townspeople has accepted it to know that's it; but it did

not last long and it came back to Lucban, Quezon, as it was supposed, that since the day

that Santa Colilo St. David’s home plate was raised, Mahal na Southeast lenium ñor, always

got sick with his children, so soon it forced it to be restored. Geronimo Rilles died shortly,

so Mr. Cirilo David talked about the pal Andrea and Saturnina (Nining) Rilles. No one

knew what really happened, however, the only finding was: No redeem and no redemption

of the beloved Señor. That news spread across the country, so the one who lives in

animation and enjoys John G. Rañolla to redeem and restore it to the late Ideal Sepulcro,

has asked the masses to pay money to Mr. Cirilo David; but because of the rigour of the

moving in, he earned only three hundred pesos (P300.00), so he had to add Mr. Juan

Rañolla for four more pesos (P400.00), besides his pay and net all the cost of travelling,

and other disbursement, before the Holy Sepulcher arrived. It is the joy of all the the great

unwashed to come here. The bunch was led by Pare with the sales talk and musical comedy

bands. Continued in the Church and brand a deep gratitude to God for returning to the

above-mentioned Dear Señor.

From then on to this Clarence Day is Mister. Juan Rañolla his relative and those

who possessed the privilege of knowing and owning the Holy place Sepulcher, because of

the ultimate decision of the Supreme Court (Corte Supreme) on the subject of the Lukban
 Poon at Paniniwala: Friday Devotion |9

brother and children of Nining Teban or Esteban Villaseñor and the descendants of the late

John Rañola.

In the Philippines, devout Catholics paraded barefoot through the streets and

beating themselves until they bled before being willingly crucified on Friday. This is on a

bloody and cruel annual practice in Northern provinces. The annual tradition in a small

group of Filipino Roman Catholics is to recreate the suffering of Jesus Christ. They realized

that this tradition is important to display and atone for their sins.

In some villages of San Fernando, they have the annual marking Good Friday and

become national spectacle in the country that has a common of Catholic residents. In the

village of San Pedro Cutud, minority of devotees paraded in the streets, beating their selves

while men dressed as a Roman soldier nailed their hands and feet to the wooden crosses.

The injured devotees are taken down from the cross and examined by the doctors. These

practices illustrate the death of Jesus Christ. One of those devotees is Painter Ruben Enaje,

54 years old, as Roman soldiers volunteered to nail his hands and feet into a cross. He does

it for 29 years to give thanks after surviving a fall from a building.

According to the city of San Fernando’s tourism website, the old tradition of

crucifixion took place in San Pedro Cutud. It was recreated on a manmade hill after a street

play lasting for two hours. As stated from the city reads, the sources of community

solidarity and strength is the contrary to the Catholic Church’s teachings.

Reasons for Devotion

Kaplan (1899) stated that religion and spirituality are good for someone. It is

beneficial to peoples’ psychological health since it makes one feel better and hopeful. It
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 10

also improved physical health and lowers mortality rates as it adds a sense of meaning and

purpose to peoples' lives. It also affects the social aspect of peoples' lives, as family life is

improved greatly.

He also stated that many elderly people say that religion is the most important factor

because it makes them less stressed and less likely to be depressed at their age compared

to young aged people who experience more tedious experiences and are more prone to

become emotional and confused due to lack of faith and stable mindset.

Marripedia (2010) states that due to the importance of education as the school

factor and the academic achievements, students who are involved with religious activities

and organizations displayed better school work and spent longer times in school in

comparison to those attend who don’t attend at all. Frequent religious involvement and

services affects the student as they are oftentimes drop outs, school year repeaters, and

academic activities skippers. Similarly, those who don’t do religious activities that much

have lower school improvements out of the others who do it. There are also few findings

saying that religious involvement increases academic involvement. Some of the students

become more religious during their college years as they achieve above-average results.

Father Joey and Cabungcal (2016) stated that before people used to go to churches

daily as they wish to hear the words of God and get guidance over them. However, it

subsided as the people got busy and don’t have tme to attend massed due to the priority of

money and financial needs to sustain their lives. It has come to the point that people forget

what they believed in as a supposed member of the Catholic church. And as from what he

has said, people would only be interested in it if it includes selling products and organizing

events that are solely made to gain profit. Religious activities should be for the reason of
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 11

religiousness and importance of thanking God to his creations and not for money,

popularity and especially not to gain riches.

Tenedero and Lacuata (2017) stated that their admiration to get a hold of the holy

image is religious and not idolism. In the sacred writings, he mentioned that the people

then have also felt the need to touch Jesus and when they do so, they claimed that it healed

their ailments and malady.

They say it was just a mere statue and that they are aware it is not the figure of God

Himself. Monsignor also pointed out that they respect the holy image because it is they

only known physical connection to the divine entity of God. They created the holy images

as a gateway to the heavens.

However, some people overdo it and turns into fanaticism and not devotion. There’s

a difference between those two and should not be misinterpreted. Fanaticism involves one

or more groups who turn devotion to obsession and become unreal or disconnected from

what the images truly stand for. Faith is for devotion for its connected with God and not

fanaticism since it’s a mere overenthusiasm of being religious.

In addition, from what Erik Tenedero and Rose Carmelle Lacuata, said so far, there

are forms of prayer such as pulling on the ropes and walking with the image for hours. This

is their oath, the very promise of every devotee who are giving their faith and prayers onto

the holy image that represents God. Although, there are young people who take part in it,

they are joining regardless of little knowledge in them.

Aside from their customs and rituals, Rhochie Avelino E. Matienzo (2017) have

also seen social control belief, in which the elderly makes up stories for the children to be
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 12

followed as they convinced them that the spirits and unseen dwellers at their young age

affects how they see and act upon as they grow older.

Santos (2008) stated that aside from their customs and rituals, they have also seen

social control belief, in which the elderly created fictitious stories and almost close to

fantasy so that children won’t be led astray from God and to keep away from doing

misdeeds in the old days where technology is still just vaguely known. As well as for the

older generations, they still hold onto that because that’s what they are told. Follow what

the elderly says so you won’t get hurt or be misguided by evil and temptation of the sinful

vices that are opposite with the good virtues.

Religious Beliefs

Tubeza (2013) stated that Our Rich Catholic faith provides us with many idolatry,

from observance Jesus Christ's Kingship and adoring His Precious Origin to the honoring

of His Immaculate Mother and devotion to the Sanctum Souls in purgatory. No matter

where a good Catholic's druthers lie, there is sure to be at least one devotion especially

suited to them. The following is a list of some of the more popular Catholic devotion.

Fr. Cabungcal said that many people believe in the miracle and magic. In Lucban,

Quezon the said poon called Mahal na Señor is miraculous. By doing practices like holding

the Señor, wiping the towel on it, and kissing it among others. However, believing in these

is the reason why Lucbanins are religious and kind. Therefore, Devotion to the Mahal na

Señor can affect our individual beliefs. Also, this study might be of help to know the reason

why they still hold onto the beliefs to the Señor.

 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 13

Aquinasandmore (2008) stated that reception of the Holy Eucharist on such Fridays

was popular even in years when frequent Communion was not. Fridays, particularly the

first Friday of the month, are the popular day in many parishes for the Blessed Sacrament

to be taken to the sick and homebound.

Sanchez (2017) stated that the third-largest Catholic population in the world is

found in the Philippines, where Catholic pattern is fervent and wide-ranging. The

Philippines comprise more than 2,000 inhabited island, and large islands often have

multiple peasant and topical anaesthetic cultures. Historically speaking, Filipino

Catholicity is shaped by local indigenous practices, and by the Spaniards who conquered

it in the 16th century and ruled it until the early 20th century. Filipinos stand out for their

devotional ardor. Filipino Catholic practice is unusually material and physical, even among

Catholic cultures, built especially on devotions to The Virgin, the suffering Christ, and the

Santo Niño (Holy Child), and on powerful celebratory and penitential rite practiced and

experienced in a wide variety of Filipino vernacular forms. Feasts like the Black Nazarene,

which draws millions to the street of Manila in January, the Simbang Gabi novena that

precedes Christmastime, and the month-long Flores de Mayon oblation to Mary illustrate

distinctively Filipino forms of devotion.

Religious Practices

Ranola (2011) stated that every Friday’s devotion, women devotees cleaning and

dress the Señor before male devotees carried it to the church for the afternoon procession.

The cotton balls used to clean the image are collected for its supposed miraculous

properties.
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 14

Mallari (2013) stated that the Senor’s gold blanket, covering the embroidered

biblical symbols it was made by the ancestors of Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

Sometime in the late 1800s, the blanket was kept in an antique wooden case and is taken

out only during holy week. The devotees chant to the pasyon (passion of Jesus Christ).

Pews inside the parish are removed to accommodate more devotees on Friday.

He also stated that the Señor, in a carriage, coming out of the parish church at 6 p.

m. amid the clapping bamboo poles heard all over the plaza. More than 30 religious icons

in the processions. Mostly, devotees wear denim pants and white t-shirt painted with the

image of Jesus Christ, they struggle to touch the ropes attached to the stainless carriage.

Tubeza (2013) stated based on Rector Monsignor of Quiapo, Jose Clemente

Ignacio, the procession and devotion is not idolatry, rather it reflects Filipino trait to want

to wipe, touch, kiss, or embrace sacred objects if possible. The Filipinos have a belief that

the Divine is present in sacred objects and places.

Austria (2012) stated that traveling within the Urban center of Manila during the

Translaciόn every January 9 might be difficult as heavy traffic is expected. Most use

alternate routes for the day to avoid the procession, thus creating additional travel time.

Some public transport system such as the LRT -1, LRT-II, and MRT-III provide free rides

to devotee, who are easily identifiable as dressed in maroon and walking barefoot. A

similar scenario may be experienced by tourist and travelers in Cagayan De Oro and in

Catman, Northern Samar during the annual processions of the sacred image, as well as in

other towns and cities where replica images are brought out in procssion on this 24-hour

interval.
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 15

Delacruz (2008) states that the image of Saint Sepulcro, also known as Mahal Na

Señor, is being recognize by Lucbanins everywhere, the image of the saint in Lucban is

always visited not only by people near the town but also those who wanted to pray every

Friday and pray about their wishes to their life.

Cada (1984) states that Christianity changes the way Lucbanins live. Having faith

and believing in the said god strengthens the bond of the family and unites the devotees of

the Señor.

Unlike the sacraments themselves, the most known devotions can't be traced back

directly to the ministry of Jesus and the practices of the Apostles. Most of them were

developed gradually over the years and even centuries as the people thought of ways of

living their faith. The origins of the more ancient devotion are often obscure.

Phillips (1690) said that a French nun who is in the Vipitation Order gave her the

special task which is to spread devotion to his most sacred Heart at the time when religion

was growing cold in the hearts of mankind.

Conceptual Framework

Religiousness is important in the life of individuals as becoming devoted to Mahal

na Señor gives knowledges as to how to act, think, or handle a simple task that one should

face. The Mahal na Señor has spiritual personal influence on many who are truly devoted

to the aspect of believing into being at a spiritual relief from sin and unholy deeds within

the acts of appreciation for devotees during a certain situation or life crisis in the need of

answers. They usually come around by a known image by devotees and common beliefs
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 16

alike the Saint Sepulcro or Mahal na Señor in certain areas that is visited for the reason of

desire that their wishes to be granted as the faith Christianity or Catholicism changed their

lives.

Being a devotee has a huge impact on a person if they give their utmost devotion

to their practices and beliefs. Based on the foregoing, the researcher’s paradigm of the

study is formulated as shown in the succeeding section.

 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 17

Research Paradigm

Input Process Output

Reasons why devotees Poon at Paniniwala:

observed the Friday Friday Devotion of
devotion Survey
Lucbanins to Mahal na
Data Analysis Señor
Effects of devotion to
Mahal na Señor on
Individuals’ Religious
beliefs
Different practices of
the devotees during
Friday devotion

Figure 1 Input Process Output model used in the conduct of the study.
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 18

Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

The chapter discusses the research design of the study, the locale of the study, research

instrumentation, and procedures to strengthen the study

Research Locale

The study will be conducted at the Racelis Ave, Lucban, Quezon of their Friday

devotion to the devotees.

Research Design

This study employed the quantitative approach of research to analyze the necessary

data. This study also employed the descriptive research design. The participants were made

to answer questionnaires to determine their answers about the Mahal na Señor.

Participants

The study was conducted at the Racelis Avenue were the Mahal na Señor is. Not

all the participants are interested in the study but some of them participate to answer.

Participants were randomly selected from The Tahanan ng Mahal na Señor. All participant

data was collected in the month of December. A total of fifty-nine people were approached

and fifty agreed to take part. This comprised twenty-eight men and twenty-three women.
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 19

Twelve to fifty participant was given a verbal explanation of the aims and requirements of

the study. Each document was fully explained with an opportunity to ask questions. The

age of the participants ranged from twenty -one to eighty-six years and all were in apparent

good health.

Instrumentation

The researchers will adapt a descriptive research utilizing quantitative data

approach. It includes reason why devotees observed the Friday devotion to Mahal na Señor,

determine how the devotion to Mahal na Señor affect individuals' religious beliefs and

determine the different practices of the devotees during Fridays devotion to Mahal na

Señor. The questions from the said questionnaire are based on the thesis of Ronald Cada

on the Non-Verbal Discourses and Hornedo’s study on Ang Pagkilos ng Pananampalataya

at Utang na Loob: Si Hornedo sa Etnograpiya ng Popular na Paniniwala. Some of the

questions were formulated by the researchers themselves based on the literatures they have

gathered.

Data Gathering and Procedures

To have a proper result for the study the researchers followed the step by step

procedure outlined below. These steps are enumerated below.

 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 20

First, the researchers thought of a good issue that is helpful and have a better need

of explanation regarding Lucban especially in their religious living. After finding a suitable

topic, that is this study, the researchers consulted their topics with their research adviser.

They formulated the general and specific objectives which were checked after

going to the Southern Luzon State University Library in search of related literatures from

books and the internet.

Then, the researchers arranged their related literature and added subheadings then

finalized chapter 1 and 2. The coordinator approached the adviser to check if there's any

more errors. They revised their chapter 1 and 2 based on the suggestions of their research

adviser.

Then, the researchers formulated their questionnaire. In order to do this, they looked for

related literature on their topic.

Finally, the researchers secured letters of permission from their adviser, the school

principal to conduct their study.

Statistical Treatment

After collecting the data needed, the researchers tabulated and analyzed the gathered

data with the help of statistical tool. The following are the statistical tool used in this study

together with their corresponding formula.

We choose the formula of weighted mean to the objectives because it is a quantitative

research to give the final survey.

 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 21

The objectives of the respondents were determined using weighted mean.

𝑤1 𝑥1 + 𝑤2 𝑋2…+𝑤𝑛 𝑋𝑛 ∑𝑤𝑥
𝑋̅ = =
𝑤1 + 𝑤2 + ⋯ + 𝑤𝑛 ∑𝑤

Where 𝑤1 , 𝑤2 … , 𝑤𝑛 are the weights and 𝑋1 , 𝑋2… , 𝑋𝑛 are the values.

Point Score Rating Interval Description

5 4.20-5.00 Strongly Agree

4 3.40-4.19 Agree

3 2.60-3.39 Uncertain

2 1.80-2.59 Disagree

1 1.00-1.79 Strongly Disagree

 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 22

Chapter IV

RESULT AND DESCUSSION

This chapter presents the results of the study. Given are the analysis and

interpretation of data supported by tables.

Table 1. Reasons why devotees observe Friday devotion to Mahal na Señor

Qualitative
Statements Weighted Mean Description

1. Sumusunod ako sa Panginoon upang 4.80 Strongly Agree

ako ay mailayo sa kasamaan.
2. Kaya ako nananampalataya sa
Mahal na Señor ay upang mapalapit 4.82 Strongly Agree
sa Panginoon.
3. Naniniwala ako sa Panginoon kaya
ako ay pumupunta sa Mahal na 4.86 Strongly Agree
Señor
4. Nakakapagpaluwag sa aking
kalooban kapag ako ay nakakadalaw 4.80 Strongly Agree
sa Mahal na Señor
5. Napupunan ko ang pagsakripisyo ng
Panginoon sa aming buhay takda ng 4.64 Strongly Agree
pasasalamat ko sa Kanya.
6. Ginagawa ko ang mga tradisyonal
na gawain upang maipakita ko sa
Diyos na ako ay sumusunod sa 4.42 Strongly Agree
kanya.
7. Dahil sa kahirapan, lumalapit ako sa
Mahal na Señor upang makahiling
dito.
3.64 Agree
Average Weighted Mean 4.57 Strongly Agree
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 23

Table 1 presents the reason why devotees observed the Friday devotion to Mahal

na Señor. It was shown from the topmost mean score that the respondents strongly agree

that “naniniwala ako sa Panginoon kaya ako ay pumupunta sa Mahal na Señor” but the

lowermost mean score shows that the respondents agree that “dahil sa kahirapan, lumalapit

ako sa Mahal na Señor upang makahiling dito.” Generally, it can be inferred that the

respondents strongly agree that they believe in God that’s why they devote to Mahal na

Señor.

In this support, Father Joey and Cabungcal (2018) states that before people

used to go to churches daily as they wish to hear the words of God and get guidance over

them. However, it subsided as the people got busy and don't have time to attend massed

due to the priority of money and financial needs to sustain their lives. It has come to the

point that people forget what they believed in as a supposed member of the Catholic church

and as from what he has said, people would only be interested in it if it includes selling

products and organizing event that are solely made to gain profit. Religious activities

should be for the reason of religiousness and importance of thanking God to his creations

and not for money, popularity and especially not to gain riches.
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 24

Table 2. Affect of Devotion to Mahal na Señor on Individual’s Religious Belief

Weighted Qualitative
Statements Mean Description

4.32 Strongly Agree

8. Naging mas magalang ako sa kapwa .
9. Naging mas matulungin ako sa kapwa 4.28 Strongly Agree
lalo na sa mga nangangailangan.
10. Mas naging malawak ang aking 4.52 Strongly Agree
kaisipan at pang-unawa.
11. Ang pananampalataya sa Mahal na
Señor ay mas nakakabuti sa aking 4.50 Strongly Agree
kalusugan
12. Mas lalo akong napapalapit sa aking
pamilya kapag sama-sama kaming 4.48 Strongly Agree
nananampalataya sa Mahal na Señor.
13. Nakakakuha ako ng panibagong lakas 4.50 Strongly Agree
kapag ako ay nagdedebosyon.
14. Nagbibigay ito sa akin ng magandang
kapalaran na nakakakuha ko sa 4.40 Strongly Agree
Panginoon
Average Weighted Mean 4.43 Strongly Agree

Table 2 presents the effects of devotion to Mahal na Señor on individual’s religious

beliefs. It was shown from the topmost mean score that the respondents strongly agree that

“mas naging malawak ang aking kaisipan at pang-unawa” while the lowermost mean

score shows that the respondents strongly agree that “naging mas matulungin ako sa kapwa

lalo na sa mga nangangailangan.” In general, it can be inferred that the respondents

strongly agree that their thought and understanding are more extensive.

In this support, Kaplan (2018) states that religion and spirituality are good for

someone. It is beneficial to peoples' psychological health since it makes one feel better and
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 25

hopeful. It also improves physical health and lowers mortality rates as it adds aa sense of

meaning and purpose to peoples' lives. It also affects the social aspect of peoples' lives, as

family life is improved greatly.

Table 3. Different practices of the devotees during Fridays devotion to Mahal Na

Señor

Weighted Qualitative
Statements Mean Description

15. Naglalagay ako ng langis sa aking katawan 4.32 Strongly Agree

dahil ito ay nakakapagpagaling ng sakit.
16. Ang paghalik sa paa ng Mahal na Señor o
paghawak dito ay nakakapagbigay sa akin 4.64 Strongly Agree
ng basbas sa kanyang banal na espirito
17. Ang pakikiisa sa pagbuhat ng Mahal na
Señor ay tanda ng kapalit ng sakripisyo at 4.04 Agree
pagsamba sa kanya.
18. Nagdadala ako ng rosaryo kapag pumupunta
sa Mahal na Señor dahil nakakatulong ito sa 3.54 Agree
aking pagdedebosyon.
19. Nagbibigay ako ng donasyon sa Mahal na
Señor sapagkat naniniwala ako na may 3.98 Agree
magandang kapalit ito.
20. Nililinis ko ang Mahal na Señor takda ng 3.96 Agree
paggalang at pagmamahal dito
21. Ang pagsuot ng puting damit na nakalagay
ang litrato ni Hesukristo ay isang gawain
upang maipakita ang pagmamahal ko sa 3.58 Agree
kanya.
Average Weighted Mean 4.01 Agree

Table 3 presents the different practices of the devotees during Friday devotion to

Mahal Na Señor. It was shown from the topmost mean score that the respondents strongly

agree that “ang paghalik sa paa ng Mahal na Señor o paghawak dito ay nakakapagbigay
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 26

sa akin ng basbas sa kanyang banal na espirito”, while the lowermost mean score shows

that the respondents agree that “nagdadala ako ng rosaryo kapag pumupunta sa Mahal na

Señor dahil nakakatulong ito sa aking pagdedebosyon.” In conclusion, it can be inferred

that the respondents agree on the statement that kissing the feet and touching of the Mahal

na Señor gives them a blessing to his Holy Spirit.

This support by Tubeza (2013) the procession and devotion is not idolatry, rather it

reflects Filipino trait to want to wipe, touch, kiss, or embrace sacred objects if possible.

The Filipino has a belief that the Divine is present in sacred objects and places.
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 27

Chapter V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of the objectives of the research, its data

gathering procedure and methodology. Likewise, findings, conclusions and

recommendation are defined in this chapter.

Summary

This study aimed to determine the beliefs of the devotees on Friday’s devotion to

the Mahal na Señor. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the reasons why devotees

observed Friday devotion, determine how the devotion to Mahal na Señor affects

individual's religious belief, to find out the different practices of the devotees during the

Friday devotion to the Mahal na Señor. The researchers employed the quantitative method

and research design. Participants were comprised of fifty randomly selected devotees of

the Mahal na Señor in Lucban, Quezon.

The study revealed in reasons why devotees observed Friday devotion to Mahal na

Señor that the respondents strongly agreed that they believe in God which is why they

follow the Mahal na Señor while the lowermost mean score revealed that they have to

follow the Mahal na Señor to make a wish in terms of poverty and health. However, in the

statement of how the devotion to Mahal na Señor affect individual’s religious beliefs, the

respondents strongly agreed that the thought and understanding of the devotees have

become more extensive while the statement I became even more helpful to people

especially those in need got the lowest mean. On the other hand, in the different practices
 P o o n a t P a n i n i w a l a : F r i d a y D e v o t i o n | 28

of devotees during Friday's devotion to Mahal na Señor, the respondents strongly agreed

that kissing or touching the Mahal na Señor gives them blessing in his Holy Spirit while

they also agreed in carrying rosary to the Mahal na Señor because it can help in their

devotion.

Conclusion

The following conclusion is therefore as follows:

1. The devotees of Lucban Quezon believe in God that’s why they devote to Mahal na

Señor.

2. The respondents strongly agree that their thought and understanding are more extensive

because of their devotion to Mahal na Señor.

3. Kissing the feet and touching of the Mahal na Señor gives the devotees a blessing to his

Holy Spirit and it reflects to them how important the Mahal na Señor is.

Recommendation

Based on the foregoing findings and conclusions, the following are the

recommendations of the researchers.

1. The future researchers may continue our research to know more to this study.

2. The researchers would recommend this study to other devotees so that they can

understand more the value of Mahal na Señor.

3. The researcher would recommend this study to the future researchers as their basis

which is similar to our topic.