‘Observe Lent while on holiday’

MANILA, Philippines - Holy Week is not about the sun, sand and relaxation, but remembering the sacrifices of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday as it reminded the faithful to observe liturgical activities during the holidays.

Today, Catholics observe Palm Sunday in commemoration of Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem, which also signals the start of his passion and death.

Meanwhile, state weather forecasters advised Metro Manilans who  are  attending Palm Sunday Masses to bring umbrellas as isolated rains are expected over the metropolis.

“It (Holy Week) is actually an invitation for reflection, joining in the suffering of Jesus Christ. They (Filipino Catholics) should take time for intense prayer, sacrifice and acts of charity. That is the only thing that they should think at this time,” said CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Joselito Asis.

Regardless where they are spending the Holy Week, Catholics were urged to join in liturgical activities like the Stations of the Cross, the Seven Last Words, and Saturday night’s Easter vigil, Asis said.

The public should also offer sacrifices to show that they are one with Christ’s suffering like practicing abstinence and fasting on Good Friday, and going to confession to achieve a more meaningful Easter Sunday, Asis added.

The Archdiocese of Manila has lined up several activities in observance of Holy Week.

At 7 a.m. today, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will celebrate Mass at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church in Paco, Manila.

At 7 a.m. of Maundy Thursday, Tagle will lead the Chrism Mass, and another at 5:30 p.m. for the Lord’s Supper.

At 3 p.m. of Good Friday, the CBCP will celebrate the Lord’s Passion. Easter vigil and the “Salubong” will take place at 8 and 11 p.m., respectively, on Black Saturday.

Glaiza Escolar, of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said based on yesterday’s 5 p.m. weather forecast, the northern part of Metro Manila, which includes Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, and Manila would experience between two to three hours of isolated rains.

Escolar said the southern part of Metro Manila, particularly Muntinlupa City, will have cloudy skies with rain showers.

She said parts of the country will still experience rain because “the weather is still changing. There are intervals, it could shift from sunny to rainy.”

PAGASA said easterlies are affecting the eastern section of the country.