The Holy Cross, the patron of Sta. Cruz, Cavite City dates back as far as the 19th century. It was told that a certain major acolyte (sacristan mayor) by the name o Benito Ignacio was requested by his barrio folks to look for a wooden cross for their "santacrusan" activity. Through the permission of the parish priest, he found a small cross under the enclosure (retablo) of the altar of the Lady of Solitude at Ermita Church in the Port of Cavite. This church stood from the year 1660 to 1880 during the Chinese and British invasions and it was located inside the Porta Vaga fortress of the said port. Today, a miniature replica of this church can be seen at the entrance to the Samonte Park.
This wooden cross was used in small procession (lotrinos) in a barrio of Hacienda Estansuela which later became Caridad and in the late 50's the District of Sta. Cruz.
Devoted patrons gave dignity to this small wooden cross (measuring: 22" x 14.5) by putting a decorated white band in the form of "M" symbolic of the white mantle used by the disciples of Jesus Christ to bring down. His dead body after His crucifixion. They also put some silver icons, i.e., the "INRI" which stands for the title "King of the Jews" placed by his executioners on the cross above His head; a silver face with rays symbolic of Jesus Christ; a skull and bones at the foot of the cross which signify for His death; and rays around the cross which stands for His glorious resurrection. At the back of the wooden cross, they placed a silver cross that holds decorated semi-circular red board that serves as the background to emphasize the shedding of His Precious Blood for the salvation of the whole world. Finally, they placed the cross on a foothold.
In 1922, this Holy Cross was kept in a makeshift chapel built by barrio folks on a lot owned by Juanito Ramirez ( a grandson of Benito Ignacio), which in later years was sold to Concepcion Reyes-Alonzo. Benefactors donated the narra altar and the images of the Nuestra Senora de Caridad and San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers, since the place became a barrio of Caridad and farming was the people's occupation besides fishing. During that time a big part of the land was used for farming because Manila Bay was still many kilometers away from the present seashore.
In 1929, the chapel was repaired and it was used to celebrate the Holy Mass and perform baptism during feast days. It served as venue for religious activities, i.e., the May Flower Festival to honour Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary and and the lenten "Pabasa" to commemorate the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
In 1955, when the Holy Name Association (HNA) was founded by the Catholic youths of Sta. Cruz, they have taken charge of the festivities and carried on the beautiful tradition of faith and love passed on by the elders.
The Holy Cross, given dignity by the devotees to signify the victory of Jesus Christ over death, has become a unifying force for their festivity because it reminds them of the unsurpassing love, justice and mercy of God. They believe the Holy Cross has continuously spared them from dangers and calamities because they always have Jesus in their heart and mind.
Since the temporary chapel has long been gone, the HNA continued their religious activities for some time at San Sebastian chapel; then, they moved in selected residences of benevolent officers and members. They hope to pass on this manifestation of love of God and neighbors through the ages. HNA kins come together and encourage others to uphold this beautiful tradition of faith, love and unity in Sta. Cruz and the whole City of Cavite. Prepared by: Cecilia Reyes Mendoza
