While not an expert, I have travel to many countries and spend my youthful years in a country that is 90% Catholic. I attended a grammar and high school established by the Archbishop (later to become a Cardinal).
I also enjoy reading books that tough on the subject directly or slightly indirectly. I read the article about religion vs science and started to recollect my years in School which taught me about both subjects.
If you the reader have read my other articles about God, you know my present views on the subject. I definitely reject the "evolution" theory since in our millenniums of known history we have jet to see a monkey lose their hair and get a job as an engineer! (I know, I know, the Caveman in Television comes very close!!!).
In my country of origin (Guatemala) the observance of Holly Week is a venerable time where people not only takes to prayer but unlike other places of the world, we have what we call "The Processions" in which every Catholic Church schedules the taking of super ornate (and very heavy) altars with the image of Jesus, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.
People have to make advance reservations (up to 2 years for some) to have the privilege to be one of the about hundred of believer carrying the altar for one city block! Believe me, one block is not easy, although the weight is dispersed, the altar has to swing gently from side to side while the carriers take short steps.
Early in the morning of each procession, the people place "rugs" made of colorful sawdust and flowers on the areas were the Lord will pass . . .and, no one dares to defile the tapestry before the procession passes!
The music played along with the altar being carried is also specially written for those occasions and is very different from any music you have heard of. It carries a sense of suffering and sadness.
The carriers dress up with special "cucurucho" (a local term) outfits and some dress with old Roman uniforms including helmet, brass breast plates and lances or swords.
On Good Friday, the procession includes all the steps of the cross.
It is indeed a fascinating religious week, I was fortunate to have lived there, witness it, and participated. For you the reader, if you ever want to see a very different Holy celebration, you may want to put Guatemala for Holly Week in your agenda.
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