Holy Week Philippines 2017

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Mel Fonollera, blogger

Today, I'm going on a long vacation and take a break from work.  The reason why? - Holy Week in the Philippines.  It starts on Palm Sunday last April 9. It reminds us of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem with crowds cheering and waving palm fronds.  However, days afterward, the events would turn bloody and messy because of his execution by nailing on the cross instigated by the same crowd that cheered him earlier, quite ironic. Every Catholic Filipino will be reflecting on these events that happened two thousand years ago. As part of my break, I'll be writing some blogs about this most observed and revered week.

Spanish priests, centuries ago, introduced the observance of the holy week.  The Catholic church in the Philippines, which has strong ties with the Vatican, leads the flock in observing the holy week yearly.

Painting by Fernando Amorsolo

Activities during this week are centered around the community Catholic church and related rituals. Families meanwhile would visit churches locally or much further outside of their community praying in front of murals of the way of the cross. This is known as "Visitas Iglesias."   They also pray the way of the cross or "Via Crucis" community prayers and procession in most Filipino communities.  In the evenings, starting Maundy Thursday, life-size images of saints, Mary, and Jesus, owned by parishioners of the local Catholic church are paraded in processions. The whole community lines up to witness the procession or join the procession.



Back in the day, the holy week was pretty much solemn. Television and radio programs go off-air beginning Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday. Everyone is forced into a contemplative mood because of the lack of better things to do. But for kids, this part of the year is a bummer. To make them behave, old folks, tell stories of superstitions such as if one takes a bath on Good Friday one will get sick. 

Noons and late evenings are pretty much listless and the mood is serious. I swear every year on Friday from noon until 3 o'clock p.m., I noticed that it is so dead silent and somber.  I always have this surreal feeling that the Crucifixion seems to be happening all over again at that same time every year.

Today, however, there are a lot of distractions making it difficult to focus on what Holy Week is all about. Although TV stations and radio stations won't be broadcasting that much, cable TV will be available 24/7. Live online-streaming movies offer a wide choice of old and current movies. Social media won't be taking a break during the holy week unless it's the "Second Coming".  For those with moolah to spare, they will hie away to some beach resorts far away from the busy metropolis.  

Anyway, this year 2017, the holy week starts with the celebration of Palm Sunday last April 9 and ends on Easter Sunday, April 16.  It's an opportunity to enjoy the long respite and ponder on what this week is all about.


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