Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the Church celebrates the coming of Christ into Jerusalem. At mass, Filipino church goers bring palm fronds to be blessed by the facilitating priest. After the mass they bring it home and placed in front doors or windows, it is believed to be protection from evil spirits that would want to enter their homes.
Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday these days mainly commemorates Jesus Christ's entry to Jerusalem until his very Last Supper. Holy Monday starts the traditional “Pabasa”, chanting of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. Nowadays modern tunes are acceptable to draw children closer to the tradition.
Maundy Thursday then is all about the Last Supper itself Christ being with his eleven apostles. During this time Catholic devotees usually perform “Visita Iglesia”, visit different churches and prays the Stations of the Cross. During Maundy Thursdays also people do reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles.
Good Friday is commemorated with street processions, and plays about the Seven Last Words and Passion called “Senakulo”. In Pampanga, Senakulo highlights their contribution to the season. Their celebration is consisted of people who are doing their “Panata” (vow) each year as their thanksgiving to their answered petitions.
Black Saturday, as it is called in the Philippines, was observed with great silence. People perform vigils as they await for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter Sunday starts with the “Salubong” (meeting), the reunion of the Virgin Mother Mary with his son Jesus after his resurrection. At Pre-dawn people gather and join the procession to their town church and hear mass.
No matter how much intact we are with Christianity, we all have our own expression of faith. We have traditions to celebrate but we should not forget our personal relationship with God every single day. May every Holy week just bring us even closer to him and tends us to do things for his glory.
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